Four-bedroom apartment HMO at 33 Mill House Dale, Antrim

What was proposed

The application sought to change a four-bedroom apartment into a House of Multiple Occupation for rented accommodation for NHS staff.

“COMMITTEE ITEM3.3 APPLICATION NOLA03/2025/0506/F DEAANTRIM COMMITTEE INTERESTCOUNCILLOR CALL-IN RECOMMENDATIONGRANT PLANNING PERMISSION PROPOSALChange of use of a 4-bedroom apartment into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) SITE/LOCATION33 Millhouse Dale, Antrim, BT41 2UN APPLICANTOlatunbosun Lawal AGENTBig Design Architecture LAST SITE VISIT21 st August 2025 CASE OFFICERDan Savage Tel: 028 90340438 Email:daniel.savage@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk Full details of this…”

“However, until such times as the Local Policies Plan (LPP) identifies the boundaries of settlement limits, local designations and zonings, the provisions of the current legacy plans, both adopted and in draft form will continue to apply. The application site is located within the settlement limit of Antrim Town as defined within the Antrim Area Plan 1984-2001. In line with the transitional arrangements set out in the SPPS, AAP and the ANPS must be read together.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The apartment is in a residential block within Antrim Town, with shared rear open space, communal parking and additional street parking.

“The subject site adjoins five additional apartments within the same block, all of which share the communal open space to the rear contained by a close boarded timber fence. Unallocated communal parking spaces are located to the front of the development. Additional parking is located on the street adjacent to the apartment block. The surrounding area is residential in character.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Objections covered parking, traffic, noise, disturbance, safety, waste, anti-social behaviour, room sizes, shared facilities and community cohesion.

“A summary of the key points of the objections raised are provided below: • Insufficient parking and traffic concerns; • Noise and disturbance; • Safety concerns; • Waste and litter concerns; • Anti-social behaviour; • Precedent for future HMOs; • Room sizing issues; • Strain on shared facilities; and…”

“Negative impact on character/community cohesion. ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING ISSUES/MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS The main issues to consider in the determination of this application are: • Policy Context; • Principle of Development; • Design and Appearance and Impact on the Character of the Area; • Private Amenity Space; • Neighbour Amenity; • Access and Parking; and • Other Matters Policy Context Section 45(1) of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 requires the Council, in dealing with an…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A public objector and the agent addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee vote

A motion to grant permission received four votes in favour, three against and two abstentions.

“Proposed by Alderman Campbell Seconded by Councillor Bennington that planning permission be granted. On the proposal being put to the meeting 4 Members voted in favour, 3 against and 2 abstentions, it was agreed…”

Minutes