Planning application
LA02/2026/0541/F
Carrickfergus Castle Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, BT38 7BG
Proposal
Heritage-led visitor, access and interpretation works at Carrickfergus Castle, comprising removal of the existing Visitor Building, Education Building and other modern additions; erection of a new entrance and visitor facilities building; alterations and improvements to the Gatehouse, Outer Ward, West Battery, Grand Battery, Middle Ward, Inner Ward, Great Hall, Flash Room and Ordnance Store; partial re-excavation of the Middle Ward ditch, partial reconstruction of the Middle Ward wall and provision of a new bridge; formation and enhancement of visitor routes, including new paving, level-access works, ramps, lifts, stairs, handrails, balustrades and guarding; alterations to gun emplacements and wall walks; reinstatement and adaptation of historic features; internal and external works to the Great Tower, including removal of modern fit-out, replacement floor finishes, new lift and stair access, fire-safety and servicing works, reinstatement of the south-west spiral stair, public access to the roof and associated roof balustrading; installation of interpretive fit-out, setworks and displays; provision of plant, WCs and ancillary visitor accommodation; together with associated conservation, repair, landscaping, drainage, lighting, services and all ancillary site works. Construction of a new landscaped, curving and universally accessible raised ramp between the Marine Highway pedestrian crossing and the entrance to Carrickfergus Castle, incorporating landings, handrails, balustrades, integrated seating and planters; partial demolition and alteration of the existing modern access ramp and reconstructed basalt wall to form the new connection; relocation and reinstatement of existing memorials, benches and other site furniture; and associated steps, surfacing, planting, lighting, drainage, public-realm and ancillary site works.
As published by the council, reference LA02/2026/0541/F
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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10 Jul 2026
Received by Mid and East Antrim
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23 Jul 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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29 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development. Extensions of time are common.
What happens while it is decided
The process from here
This application is with Mid and East Antrim for determination. The council publicises it, consults neighbours and technical bodies where required, and weighs the responses against local and national planning policy.
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development, though extensions of time are common. Comments carry most weight while the case is undecided, so check the council portal for the deadline if you want to respond.
About full applications applications
How this application type works
A full application seeks permission for a complete, detailed proposal in one go: siting, design, access and landscaping are all fixed at this stage. It is the standard route for new buildings, conversions and changes of use. The statutory target is eight weeks for smaller schemes and thirteen weeks for major development, though complex cases often take longer by agreement.
Nearby applications
Within 500 metres
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LA02/2026/0534/DCA Awaiting decision
Carrickfergus Castle Marine Highway Carrickfergus BT38 7BG
Removal of inappropriate modern buildings to allow for the provision of a new visitor facility building and improved access to and within Carrickfergus Castle. Demolitions and Removals include: Partial lowering of portcullis at the Gatehouse, removal of existing Visitor Building and Education Building within the Outer Ward, partial excavation of north face ditch at the Middle Ward Wall, removal of Accessible WC in the Ordonnance Store, partial reconstruction of the Middle Ward wall, removal of modern fit out of the Great Tower. Partial demolition of the existing modern access ramp leading from the marine Highway to the Castle. Section of existing basalt masonry wall to be dismantled and cleared to accommodate new ramp. Removal of some street furniture and lighting to the front of the Castle.
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LA02/2025/0806/DCA Granted
Adjacent to Albert Edward Pier (on the seaward side, behind the parapet).
Demolition of derelict piles from the old boatclub.
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LA02/2026/0536/DCA Awaiting decision
Former Danske Bank and adjacent car park 21–23 High Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7AL
Demolition of the existing three-storey former bank building.
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LA02/2026/0134/PAN Decided
Carrickfergus town centre extending to the railway line to the north, King William Pier and the Bollards to the south, Joymount to the east and Albert Road to the west, Carrickfergus. Works included on North Street, High Street, Antrim Street, Castle Street, Market Place, West Street, Governors Place, Lancasterian Street, Lancastrian Street Car Park, Victoria Street, St. Brides Street, St. Brides Street Car Park, Joymount House Car Park, Carrickfergus Bowling Club, Shaftesbury Park, Marine Highway and land adjacent to Carrickfergus Castle.
Town centre public realm improvements to include access improvements and interpretative works at the town walls, creation of a 'walk of light' and wider public realm improvements at Harbour Square, the Parade Ground and Joymount House car park, creation of new 'pocket parks', works to Marine Highway and improved pedestrian connections, general public realm improvements to existing streets and car parking areas, new façade treatment to existing WC's in the harbour car park, wayfinding signage and interpretative signage, hard and soft landscaping.
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LA02/2026/0023/PAN Decided
Carrickfergus town centre extending to the railway line to the north, King William Pier and the Bollards to the south, Joymount to the east and Albert Road to the west, Carrickfergus, BT38 7BE
Town centre public realm improvements to include access improvements and interpretative works at the town walls, creation of a 'walk of light' and wider public realm improvements at Harbour Square and the Parade Ground, creation of new 'pocket parks', works to Marine Highway and improved pedestrian connections, general public realm improvements to existing streets and car parking areas, new façade treatment to existing WC's in the harbour car park, wayfinding signage and interpretative signage, hard and soft landscaping.
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LA02/2026/0543/F Awaiting decision
Carrickfergus town centre extending to the railway line to the north, King William Pier and the Bollards to the south, Joymount to the east and Albert Road to the west. Works included on North Street, High Street, Antrim Street, Castle Street, Market Place, West Street, Governors Place, Lancasterian Street, Lancastrian Street Car Park, Victoria Street, St. Brides Street, St. Brides Street Car Park, Joymount House Car Park, Carrickfergus Bowling Club, Shaftesbury Park, Marine Highway and land adjacent to Carrickfergus Castle.
Comprehensive public realm regeneration works across Carrickfergus town centre and waterfront, comprising the creation and reconfiguration of the Waterfront Park, Castle Parade Square and associated car parking; provision of an urban beach, interactive water feature and flexible event spaces; enhancement of streets, civic spaces and historic gateways, including North Gate, Irish Gate and the North East Bastion; formation of a continuous, universally accessible heritage route along the historic town walls; accessibility improvements; and associated hard and soft landscaping, planting, lighting, street furniture, public art, interpretation, drainage, utilities and ancillary works.
Other full applications applications
In Mid and East Antrim
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LA02/2026/0321/F Granted
217 Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, BT43 5HG
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LA02/2026/0552/F Awaiting decision
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LA02/2026/0302/F Granted
18 Wyncairn Park, Larne, BT40 2DZ
Proposed 29sqm extension to the side and front, including relocation of the existing porch to the front elevation and widening of the current access.
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LA02/2026/0384/F Granted
3A School Lane Carrickfergus BT38 8RF
Proposed Single Storey extension to front elevation to provide play room and home office with associated works
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LA02/2026/0533/F Awaiting decision
47 Argyll View, Larne, BT40 2JS
Single storey rear extension to dwelling