Proposals to build some 400 new homes in Antrim have been approved.
Belmont Hall by Antrim Construction Company will see 393 family homes - including a mix of detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings and apartments - set amongst retained trees and planting, play areas, a civic hub, retail space and crèche - close to the Six Mile Water River at Belmont Road, Antrim.
The application was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council following a planning committee meeting on Monday evening (January 22).
It is hoped that the £60m scheme will meet the growing need for family homes in the area while creating 50 sustainable construction jobs for ten years.
Concerns had been raised about the impact the development would have on the Six Mile River. David Magee, building director for Antrim Construction Company reassured that proposals would be “sensitive to the environment”.
“The land has been zoned and awaiting development for some time now. Following the property crash, house building in the Antrim area has simply not kept pace with demand from families and professionals who wish to live in the area. On average 330 new households are created each year, and it has been estimated that by 2025, a further 7,300 new homes will be required,” said Mr Magee.
“Our proposals for Belmont Hall will meet a small fraction of this need, and provide quality homes that respect the semi-rural location.
“As part of our application we have undertaken an extensive Environmental Impact Assessment, and engaged with local interest groups and residents to ensure the proposals will be sensitive to the nearby river and settled in to this edge of town location. We are seeking to create beautiful places for families to live, a neighbourhood that respects and reflects the natural beauty of the river and wider area.
“We have consulted widely with residents and sought to provide assurances to local residents who have raised concerns. We would like to express our thanks especially to the Six Mile Water River Trust and Antrim and District Angling Association who have both engaged constructively with us, and to the elected representatives in the area who have sought to support dialogue about our proposals.”
The company hope to begin construction this spring.
