Developers have finally been given the go-ahead for a £20 million four-star hotel on the north coast after a protracted eight-year legal battle and a series of challenges brought by TUV leader Jim Allister.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have formally approved a proposal by C&V Developments for the luxury Merrow Hotel & Spa in Portstewart, along with banqueting facilities, cottages, a restaurant and a North West 200 visitor attraction..
When developed - probably now by 2027 - it will include 119 bedrooms, two restaurants, a spa and conferencing facilities for up to 350 people, with an expected annual guest spend of £5.5 million.
It was first proposed by C&V Developments in 2016, but then faced a succession of legal challenges, led for the most part by Mr Allister, who is understood to have owned a property adjacent to the hotel site. who
He mounted a successful judicial review challenge in 2019, where 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.
But the council has now given the Merrow the green light - much to the delight of C&V.
A spokesman for the developers said: “In supporting the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the application, the council’s planning committee has supported a significant boost for the local hospitality and tourism sector and wider economy in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
“When developed, the Merrow Hotel and Spa will 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.
“We are already engaging with and working alongside many organisations who will benefit directly and indirectly when the Merrow is open; this includes local colleges in relation to student training and employment opportunities to the North Coast. We also hear daily from local people who look forward to enjoying the hospitality offering.”
The spokesman added: “We’re very proud to be bringing those opportunities to Portstewart and the surrounding area, and we’re overwhelmed by the continued support from locals and businesses alike, which we are very grateful for.
“We will now work closely with our project team and relevant stakeholders as we focus on the next steps for the project and continue our mission to bring the Merrow Hotel & Spa to life.”
Since it was first proposed eight years ago, planners received 141 letters of objection but also 188 letters of support, including one from Mervyn White, events director for the famous NW200 road race.
Ahead of the planning meeting council officials said they believed any adverse impact on the businesses in Portstewart town centre would be outweighed by the wider employment, economic and tourist benefits arising from the proposal.
