Co. Antrim MLA says 'eveything must be done' to preserve derelict hotel
A local Alliance MLA says everything must be done to preserve the built heritage of Ballycastle. Sian Mulholland says she would love to see a 'historic restoration' of the Antrim Arms Hotel in the town.It comes after a developer submitted planning permission to Causeway Coast and Glens Council to demolish the landmark.
The Antrim Arms hotel has stood in Ballycastle's Diamond for generations. But it's been left to crack and crumble over the last 10 years.The building is owned by Maplemanor Properties, which is controlled by Antrim-based businessman Declan Joseph Wright.They recently made an application to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to demolish the building, which the council says it is currently studying. Stating that any attempt to partially demolish and restore it would cost in excess of £1m. Something the developer says it cannot afford.Full demolition it says would cost a fraction of the price and minimise disruption to the town.Alliance North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland lives in Ballycastle and is firmly against any demolition: ' I'd love to see it restored to its full glory. 'I've seen the pictures when the Antrim Arms was at its best and I would absolutely love to see a sympathetic historical restoration.'Mrs Mulholland adds: 'You can look around you. You can see what Ballycastle was, generations have come through this town and it is really important, particularly for those rural towns and villages to keep that heart, to keep that heritage. 'That is the soul of any rural village.'Sinn Fein Councillor Cara McShane says if the council allowed a listed building to be demolished it could set a dangerous precedent but she understands the concerns of residents and business owners over the dangers the building poses and any disruption that would be caused from any restoration efforts: 'We would just be opening the floodgates if the planning department allowed demolition at this stage. 'We are also very cognizant of the impact directly on those businesses in the immediate vicinity, of young families around this dangerous and precarious building and also the access issues.' 'The local developer spoke to UTV and said he has engaged extensively with the local council and Department for communities - but that he cannot do anything until both of them decide what to do next.
A DfC spokesperson said: 'We understand that a Listed Building Consent application has been lodged to demolish the building. We have not yet been consulted on this application.'
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