Social Value Ideas for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Affordable housing requirement confirmed

During the 28-dwelling application, officers confirmed that policy HOU5 requires 20% affordable housing in main towns including Ballymena, and that the reserve matters stage will include an affordable…

“Speaker 5: Thank you, Chair. Just one question, a simple enough question. This housing under HREU six, actually states that it's going to be multi hou…”

HMO decision refused

Councillor Reid proposed refusal citing policy grounds; the committee refused LA02/2025/0580/F; final decision documented as refused.

“the application is refused. LA02/2025/0580/F.”

Co-Ownership affordable housing funding

The council heard from Co-Ownership about significant public funding and a growing pipeline of affordable housing, including a GBP 153,000,000 government loan program to deliver 4,000 homes over four …

“GBP 153,000,000 of government loans to deliver the 4,000 homes that we've talked about.”

HMO to enable Wrightbus contract

Change of use from dwelling to an 9-person HMO to house Hutchison Engineering employees for Wrightbus contract; contract value cited as £5,000,000 per annum if approved, representing significant emplo…

“This HMO provide final accommodation for employees of Hutchison Engineering in order to fulfill contracts with Brightbus for the fabrication of chassi…”

81 affordable housing via Section 76

Delivery of 81 affordable units (41 social, 40 intermediate) secured via a Section 76 planning agreement, phased across the development (phases two, three, and four). This creates potential constructi…

“commitment to deliver 81 affordable units with a mix of 41 social and 40 intermediate, and that will be secured via Section 76.”

Section 76 affordable housing

A residential redevelopment at 97 Mill Street was approved subject to a Section 76 planning agreement because it includes affordable housing. Members noted that a 20% social housing requirement would …

“This application is presented to the planning committee in accordance with policy h o u five as the proposal includes the provision of affordable hous…”

Parking and wastewater pressures

Objectors and speakers highlighted that DFI Roads deem parking substandard and NI Water reported no wastewater capacity to support the development, raising material pressure on the suitability of the …

“Northern Water stated clearly that there is no capacity at the receiving wastewater treatment works.”

Rodins HMO decision

The committee refused planning permission for LEA0220250486F (change of use from dwelling to HMO at 25 The Rodins) following debate over H02 criteria and parking, with NI Water wastewater capacity con…

“So the application has refused, Tim, for that proposal.”

Balmina 300 jobs approved

Outline planning approval granted for a £11,000,000 manufacturing facility in Ballymena by Connor Martin (balmina). The proposal argues a significant regional economic contribution under policy ECD4, …

“This is a major industrial proposal with clear demonstrable benefits, not only in economic terms, but also sustaining the community and providing long…”

Economic benefits of renewables

The solar and park projects are framed as contributing to renewable targets and local economy, with job creation and local business support cited (e.g., Wrightbus).

“"capacity of 29 megawatts... will increase solar capacity in the wider area by over 60%... 50 direct jobs and 20 indirect jobs... gross value added of…”

Street Art Funding

External street art initiative funded by the Department for Communities with a council top-up, aimed at Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne town centres; external funding £76,005 and council contributi…

“"Council was fortunate to receive external funding of £76,005 from the Department for Communities for a new street art initiative across Ballymena, Ca…”