Latest BMAP delay could hold up Ballyclare relief road plan
PLANS to construct a major by-pass road around Ballyclare could be put on hold until next year, it has been revealed.
The proposed relief road, linking the Templepatrick Road and Rashee Road, is a major part of the 400 million Ballyclare West housing project which recently got under way in the town.
The developer behind the ambitious project, Dungiven-based Kevin Lynch, had hoped to begin work on the new road earlier this year, but it now seems that it could be next year before planners give the scheme the green light.
Planning Service recently revealed that "the Planning Appeals Commission has revised the timescale for delivery of their report relating to the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan public inquiry. The PAC now aims to present its report to the Department by the end of March 2011."
However, despite the latest postponement, it isn't yet known if all major developments in the BMAP area will be affected by the delayed report.
Indeed, a spokesperson for the Department of the Environment commented: "Planning Service will continue to process planning applications taking into account the proposals contained within draft BMAP, and this will include the applications that relate to the provision of the Ballyclare relief road. However, the impact that the delay in the receipt of the PAC report will have on the processing of these applications is a matter that is still under consideration by Planning Service."
No-one from KPL Developments was available for comment at the time of going to print, but it is understood the developer and political representatives for the area are pushing for a swift resolution to the latest planning delay.
It is hoped that the proposed relief road, which is due to be completed in two phases, will eventually help ease traffic congestion in and around the town centre.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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