A judge has prevented a council from demanding the owner of a dilapidated historical hotel in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, to either demolish, repair, or secure the building. The judge stated that the developer faced a dilemma due to the listed building status, preventing partial demolition without permission from the Historic Environment Division (HED).
A council's attempt to force a developer to demolish, repair or secure a listed building has been denied by a judge at Coleraine Court. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council wanted to have the owner of the former Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle ordered to secure the site. However, the judge refused to do so, saying that the developer Declan Joseph Wright, of Maplemanor Properties, was 'stuck between a rock and a hard place'.
But due to it being a listed building - one of historical significance - the owner could not partially demolish the structure without the permission of the Historic Environment Division (HED), which he did not have.The judge said that to follow the council orders would place Mr Wright at risk of prosecution for altering a listed building. The judge acknowledged that the building was 'dangerous and needed to be made safe' but that would need the participation of the HED.He also asked that the representatives from the council and the developer to attend a further hearing in March.Ballycastle resident Kiran Young Wimberly said it would be great if the building could be redeveloped People in Ballycastle have affection for the 18th Century building but they are worried about its current state. 'Hopefully it doesn't come down because it might pull my house down with it,' says Sean Molloy, who lives at the top of Castle Street. 'That street is quite old so if that comes down what damage will it do to the rest of these houses up here, which are quite old as well?''It would be great if they could redevelop it into something and use that part of the town,' she added.John Foley from the town says the parking in the Diamond area has been disrupted
Listed Building Ballycastle Historic Hotel Causeway Coast And Glens Borough Council Developer
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