Plans for a £20 million hotel in Portstewart that were the subject of High Court proceedings have been given the green light, nearly a decade after they were first submitted.
The 'Merrow Hotel and Spa Complex' plans for the seaside Co Derry town are now set to go ahead following a long-running saga that, following the High Court case, prompted multiple investigations and reports into the local council's handling of land deals.
The developers say that, despite the long delays and complications, their plans are "the same today as was first brought forward in 2016".
Read more: Council's £1 land deal for hotel developer may be 'unlawful', audit report finds
Read more: DUP: No comment after watchdog slams decision to do nothing after £1 land rights deal investigation
The Merrow Hotel and Spa Complex plans are for a total of 118 rooms, a luxury spa with sea views, a leisure club with a 20m pool, a glass sauna and infinity pool, a steam room, a gym and studio, a demonstration restaurant, a bar/bistro restaurant, a signature cocktail bar, a conference space, meeting rooms and nine chalets serviced by the hotel.
The plans were first submitted in 2016 and planning permission was initially granted for the multi-million pound hotel development at a site at the Ballyreagh Road in 2017, but approval was withdrawn after objections from the TUV MLA Jim Allister.
Planning approval was granted for a second time the following year but Mr Allister took judicial review proceedings and the council's decision was overturned by a High Court judge in 2019.
During the court proceedings, it emerged that an easement over lands at the entrance to the proposed hotel site had been granted for £1 - without a valuation having first been secured by the council.
A formal complaint from Mr Allister to the council about the conduct of several senior council officials followed and a third-party consultancy firm was appointed by the council to investigate. The investigation upheld 15 of Mr Allister's complaints - including an allegation the council chief executive David Jackson had "ultimate responsibility" for the £1 deal.
Planning approval was granted again in August 2024, but final approval depended on Stormont choosing whether or not to intervene. With the Department for Infrastructure opting not to call in the council's decision, the project can move ahead.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the developers - C&V Developments - said: "The complex will involve an investment in the region of £20 million and will include 119 rooms, two restaurants, a spa and conferencing facilities for up to 350 people. Anticipated guest spend is £5.5 million, which will help support the local economy.
“It will also provide a permanent home for the NW200 team, and we look forward to continuing our support for the event and organisers long into the future as they deliver the best road race on the international motorcycle calendar.
“One of the most exciting elements of the project is our relationships with local colleges and training providers who we will partner with to develop long-term professional career opportunities in the hospitality sector with the benefit of our specialist demonstration kitchen."
The spokesperson continued: "The proposal is the same today as was first brought forward in 2016. The unnecessary delays to the application over the last 8 years have only served to frustrate the investment, the job opportunities and the boost to the local hospitality sector that the complex will create.
“They have also led to uncertainty to other businesses and organisations who will benefit from the project, not least the NW 200 team who deserve a permanent home to manage one of the best known outside sporting events in the world.
“Ratepayers across the borough have lost out, too. Had the hotel been open and operational as planned Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council would have benefited from the substantial annual rates contribution from the hotel.
“There is an exciting summer ahead for the area with the NW 200 set to be bigger and better than ever and the return of The Open to Portrush. Along with our dedicated project team we will now focus on the next steps in the process as we look towards beginning work onsite later this year and before too long welcoming guests to The Merrow.”
DUP MP Gregory Campbell, meanwhile, has welcomed planning approval for the hotel.
“This is positive news for the North Coast after unnecessary delays that have hampered a development set to bring 100 new jobs and over £5million per year into the local economy," he said. "I have lobbied and pressed several Ministers on numerous occasions to push for a resolution. It never should have taken this long to reach this stage. Good-quality accommodation on the North Coast is badly needed, and this development will make the area more attractive to visitors. The new hotel, to be located at the NW200 paddock, should further enhance the North Coast’s reputation as a key driver of Northern Ireland’s economy."
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·