Green for go on Pastures’ Ballee village project?

The aim of the Gateway Project, to be sited at Ballee, is to provide a business park, training, social and student housing, a nursing home, a large church, hotel and retail premises.

However, those opposed to the plans claim its retail aspects could harm trade in the town centre - which is already suffering from low occupancy rates.

Planners initially rejected a proposal for a mixed-use hub, a component regarded as key by the church.

Green Pastures had sought permission for businesses on the site including a food superstore, petrol station, drive-thru restaurant, entertainment centre, health centre, taxi office and car parking.

Now it would seem planners are set to recommend approval of the development at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee this Thursday.

Plans also include 200 houses, a 60-bed hotel and 40-bed nursing home, factory with training facilities, and a church capable of holding 4,500 people.

New leisure facilities including a football pitch have also been given the provisional go-ahead.

Paperwork from planners to be presented to the council states: “Although there were 44 objections, many of these were multiple letters issued by the same objectors.

“As stated, the letters of objection generally related to the impact of the proposal on Ballymena town centre and nature conservation concerns.

“The council believes that these have generally been addressed by the reduction of the superstore from 6100sqm to 4100 sqm.”