Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's planning committee refused an application to convert a five-bedroom three-storey terraced house at 46 Galgorm Road in Ballymena into a house in multiple occupation. The vote took place at a meeting in The Braid on February 26 and overrode a planning officer's recommendation to approve.

The proposal aimed to house nine employees from a nearby engineering firm. No internal or external changes were planned for the property.

The surrounding area contains terraced houses, apartments and existing houses in multiple occupation. Officials received 28 objections that highlighted parking shortages, greater site density, added pressure on street parking, risks of anti-social behaviour and higher noise levels.

Roads engineer Richard Agus reported one parking space at the rear of the site. Parking is banned on Galgorm Road but available on adjacent streets. He said demand would match the single household currently permitted and that occupants planned bus travel to work.

Deputy mayor and Bannside DUP Councillor Tyler Hoey questioned waste volumes. Officials replied that five bedrooms now could hold up to 11 people, making volumes similar. Bannside DUP Alderman Tom Gordon asked about bathrooms, and staff confirmed no alterations.

Larne Lough DUP Alderman Paul Reid noted one parking space and a rear garage. An officer stated the Department for Infrastructure Roads viewed parking as below standard.

Bannside DUP Alderman Tom Gordon moved to approve, with Larne Lough Alliance Alderman Robert Logan seconding. The motion received two votes for and nine against. Ballymena Alderman Reuben Glover then moved to refuse, seconded by Councillor Hoey. That passed 10-1.