‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’: Listed Ballycastle Hotel Spared
Jan 03, 2025
This morning, a Judge at a departmental court sitting at Coleraine Magistrates Court refused a Council request to force the owner of a listed building in Ballycastle to demolish, repair, or secure a site in Ballycastle.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council had sought an order requiring the owner/developer, Declan Joseph Wright of Maplemanor Properties, to take action on the former Antrim Arms Hotel.
The 18th-century property has been deemed "dangerous" since October 2024, when parts of the masonry began falling off.
However, the court was told that the building is listed for its historical significance, meaning any partial demolition would require permission from the Historic Environment Division (HED), which Mr Wright does not currently have. The HED is the government agency responsible for safeguarding Northern Ireland’s historic properties.
During the hearing, the Judge acknowledged that the structure posed a serious safety hazard and "needed to be made safe," yet pointed out that any works must involve the HED to avoid a potential criminal offence related to altering a listed building.
Describing Mr Wright’s predicament as being "stuck between a rock and a hard place," the Judge declined to grant the council’s request.
Instead, he directed Mr Wright to commission a structural engineer’s report and share the findings with the council.
The court further requested that the council and the developer attend another hearing in March, urging representatives from the HED to join as well.
The case is set to be listed again on 7th March 2025 at Coleraine Magistrates Court.
In November Council released the following statement – Ongoing concerns regarding the structural integrity of the former Antrim Arms building on Castle Street, Ballycastle have required Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to maintain the emergency safety measures currently in place, including the temporary closure of a section of Fairhill Street.
While Council is aware of the inconvenience caused, this closure is essential in the interests of public safety.
Arrangements are being made to design and install a protected pedestrian walkway through the cordoned area, to enable safe access between the Diamond and Fairhill Street. The walkway is expected to be in place within the next two weeks.
Responsibility for the maintenance and safety of the former Antrim Arms building lies solely with the property owners. Council does not have the authority to carry out repairs or remedial work on privately owned property without a Court Order. Council’s investigation and the necessary procedures to address this dangerous structure are actively underway, although these processes can take time. We appreciate the community’s patience while we work to resolve these issues.
Council is pleased to confirm that the safety measures in place will not affect the placement of the Christmas tree in the Diamond this year, and it will be positioned in its usual location.
Public safety remains Council’s highest priority, and we thank residents, visitors and business owners for their understanding and co-operation during this time
For further inquiries, please contact Council’s Building Control Department at [email protected].
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