Mallon issues her opinion on a number of planning applications at the Adelphi Hotel, Portrush

Following careful consideration of the planning issues, Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon has today issued her opinion on four planning applications at the Adelphi Hotel, Portrush.

Minister Mallon is of the opinion that planning permission and listed building consent for existing development at the hotel should be approved, however planning permission and listed building consent for a proposed extension to the hotel should be refused.

The Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon made her opinion known today following call-in of the four applications in April 2018 when Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Planning Committee resolved to approve them contrary to the advice of Historic Buildings Unit of the Department for Communities (DfC).

The Minister said: 

“I have carefully considered both the existing development and extension proposals for the Adelphi Hotel and the advice from my officials.

“In terms of the existing development, I am satisfied that the previous planning history, the limited views of the lift shaft and roof, and the contribution that the existing 28 bedrooms makes to tourism development outweigh the relatively minor visual impacts of the proposal on the listed building.

“However I consider that the proposed three-storey extension would not be in keeping with the form and design of the listed building and would significantly harm its character and setting and the wider townscape of Portrush.

“In coming to my opinion I am mindful of the economic importance of growing the tourism potential of Portrush, which can deliver both direct and indirect jobs and I have sought to balance the need to facilitate this important industry locally, whilst ensuring the protection and environmental stewardship of the best of our built heritage.’’

Notes to editors: 

1. Details of the four applications are:

New build extension

Proposed works involve an additional three-storey extension to the existing flat roof in order to accommodate 6 no. additional guest rooms per floor at 67-71 Main Street, Portrush.

• Planning Reference LA01/2017/0250/LBC and
• Planning Reference LA01/2017/0251/F

Existing development

Regularisation of existing structures built 2006. Works involved demolition of entire rear of old premises, with site excavation to rock. New build concrete flat roofed concrete structure to rear including 8 person lift. Whole project creates twenty eight en-suite four star guest rooms.

• Planning Reference LA01/2017/1287/F and
• Planning Reference  A01/2017/1289/LBC

2. The applications had been called in under Section 29 (1) of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 which allows the Department to give directions to local Councils requiring applications made to a council to be referred to the Department instead of being dealt with by Councils.
3. Notices of Opinion will now issue to the local Council (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council) and the applicant. There is a right to a hearing before the Planning Appeals Commission should either the Council or the applicant disagree with the Department’s opinion.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours, please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

Share this page