Up to 100 new jobs are to be created in Co Antrim after the Northern Ireland Planning Service gave the go-ahead for a new housing scheme of 159 new dwellings in Ballyclare.

The approval, sought by planning and urban design consultancy, Turley Associates on behalf of the KPL Group, is part of a wider development of around 2,200 dwellings, which incorporates the long-awaited Ballyclare Relief Road.

The construction of this first phase and subsequent housing phases will create approximately 100 jobs on the site over a development period of 15 years, with an additional 90 employed in the construction of the relief road.

There will also be significant additional employment generated in the supply of materials and services for the building project.

Clyde Shanks, Director at Turley Associates said: "This success is a hugely important milestone for KPL Group in seeking to deliver major growth to Ballyclare and enable it to develop into a main town as anticipated by our Regional Development Strategy."

The layout and housing within phase one has been designed by award winning NI architect Des Ewing and includes a mixture of two and three storey detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings.

The scheme's focal point is an area of open space centred on a row of existing mature trees and this is framed by a three-storey crescent.

Mr Shanks continued: "The design concept for phase one was developed from an analysis of the unique assets presented by the site, and an appreciation of the best examples of vernacular architecture in Ballyclare, with particular emphasis on the older classical properties within the town.

"The approved scheme is a blend of classical and modern architecture that will be finished in high quality materials. It will draw significant interest from potential purchasers who want to be within easy reach of Belfast," he said.

Kevin Lynch, Managing Director of KPL Group added: "We are delighted with this outcome. The early approval of the first phase of housing enables us to get on site and start to deliver quality, affordable housing that will complement the existing housing with the town and, with the construction of the relief road, significantly improve the existing traffic congestion within the town centre at peak times.

"We chose Turley Associates as our planning consultants due to their track record of working with Planning Service to successfully deliver on a wide range of complex planning applications and their knowledge and experience of major urban expansion projects."

(NS/BMcC)