Minister approves Larne Howden’s Quay development

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan approved outline planning consent for residential and industrial development on the 13-acre Bank Road site. If it proceeds, the scheme will transform the largely redundant Kelly’s fuel yard.

The proposals include waterfront residential development, leisure uses, small-unit industrial development and access infrastructure.

Mr Durkan said: “Developing this former industrial site will bring a much needed boost to the local economy. This approval is a good example of my Department delivering its commitment to facilitate economic regeneration, whilst ensuring the protection of the North’s high quality environmental assets.”

He added that the long-standing application had posed “particular challenges in dealing with its industrial legacy and in the difficult topography of the site”.

“However,” said the minister, “this development will create a quality built environment which at the same time recognises and helps sustain the internationally important habitats and wildlife of Larne Lough and the wider Antrim Coast.”