By Michelle Weir

Copyright newsletter

The deferral was agreed at a meeting of the Planning Committee at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey this week. The applicant, Duneane Parish, is seeking listed building consent in relation to the former Sacred Heart Church, Staffordstown Road, Toomebridge. Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson told the committee the church is located 3.5 kilometres from Toome. A committee report noted the church is a grade B1 listed building. It is described as “a symmetrical early 19th century vernacular Roman Catholic Church with Gothic Revival detailing. “The building is currently vacant and has been redundant since the late 1990s following the construction of a new church located to the north-west of the site.” The officer indicated further to the removal of slates from the roof of the former church, there have been no repairs or temporary covering and its condition has “further deteriorated”. The officer reported ten letters of objection have been received suggesting that proposed demolition is “not justified and would set a precedent”; the building could be restored and used by the community as a parish hall; the building has “historical, cultural and spiritual importance and is a local asset”. There was also an objection from DfC’s (Department for Communities) Historic Environment Division (HED). Alliance Alderman Tom Campbell commented: “When looking at listed buildings, one of the issues is whether or not the building could be used for some other purpose. This is in the middle of a graveyard, so any use would be pretty restricted.” He proposed a deferral, seconded by Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill and following a vote, his proposal was approved unanimously. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ .