Planners contributing to people leaving the Glens, McKillop claims

Cllr Margaret Anne McKillop was speaking at a meeting of Moyle Council where planners again issued a ‘refusal’ opinion regarding a proposal by Mr Terence Quinn for a proposed replacement dwelling and garage 450 metres south west of 33 Gaults Road, Cushendall.

Planners said there are no overriding reasons why the development is essential in a rural location and say there is no structure on the site which exhibits the essential characteristics of a dwelling and all external structural walls are not substantially intact.

The Council disagreed with the decision and Cllr McKillop said she did not support the decision by planners.

She said: “It is very unfortunate that so many young people have to leave our area to seek employment, coupled with the fact that people living in the area find it so difficult to get planning”.

Cllr Randal McDonnell said the applicant deserved encouragement rather than having his application rejected by planners.

Planning officer Julie McMath said if additional information was received it would be considered.