THE developer behind a Portstewart hotel bid halted by a legal challenge taken by TUV leader Jim Allister, say they still intend pursuing the £20 million project.
C&V Developments originally launched the bid for the Merrow Hotel & Spa in October 2016.
The project initially secured planning permission in June 2017, but was later halted by a legal challenge led by the North Antrim MLA, who owns a home overlooking the site of the proposed development on Ballyreagh Road.
C&V Developments last year submitted an amended planning application for the 119-room hotel.
The latest bid remains under consideration.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council was last year criticised by the Local Government Auditor over its handling of land disposals and easements granted over public land.
The report expressed concern over an easement granted for £1 to progress the Merrow hotel development.
Vivienne Gilholm, who owns the company with her husband Colin, said all statutory consultees had responded positively to the latest application.
“Frustratingly for us certain aspects of the project have been misrepresented at times, including a question around ratepayer-owned land,” she said.
“The land in question was never sold and is still owned by the ratepayer, we simply have an easement for an access over the land; and the valuation was supported in court by two independent valuations," she claimed.
The site of the proposed hotel is located close to the start and finish line of the North West 200.
Ms Gilholm said the £20m hotel investment will sustain 100 jobs and provide an economic boost for the area.
