Statement by Allister Kyle, TUV candidate for Causeway:-
“Following my canvass of Portrush and the public meeting in the Town Hall on Wednesday night, there is much concern that the former Magherabuoy House Hotel, which was recently sold as a going hotel to the Lord Rana group, is in fact under the new ownership going to be used to house asylum seekers.
“Naturally, nearby residents have many worries and concerns.
“I call upon Lord Rana to make his intentions clear as lack of public information and consultation is breeding rumour and unease.
“Lord Rana, the Home Office and, insofar as involved, the council, need to provide basic information. Has the Council, for example, signed up to the government funding scheme to facilitate the housing of asylum seekers? If so, what thought was given to the concerns of local residents?
“There may also be planning issues involved if there is a change of use of the former hotel. My Party Leader, Jim Allister MLA, has written to the Head of Planning in the following terms:-
Causeway Planning
Dear Mrs Dickson,
Re: Magherabuoy House Hotel Site
I write to seek some guidance.
Can you advise if the extant planning permission at the above site would permit it to be used as a residential centre for refugees?
If the establishment ceases to offer accommodation and facilities to the general public, would it be fulfilling the function of an hotel as anticipated in its planning permission? If this was a green field site within the development limit seeking to accommodate refugees, then, what style and class of planning permission would it need? Would it be in the category of hostel, or something else?
Any light you can shed on these matters would be appreciated.
Yours sincerely,