Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has submitted an application for full planning permission and listed building consent to install access control barriers and two ticketing machines at Mossley Mill car park in Newtownabbey.

The barriers would be placed within 15 metres of the main entrance on Carnmoney Road North. One ticket payment kiosk would go beside the disabled bays at the front of the mill near the cobbles. The other would be at the rear of the theatre near the bottom of the steps off the main path.

Council documents state that members of the public park in the car park before 8am and return after 5pm to use the nearby train station. This practice limits parking availability for staff and other users of the mill.

The council plans to relocate staff from other sites to Mossley Mill as part of efforts to reduce the number of dedicated civic administration buildings in the borough. Limited space prevents expanding the car park, so existing spaces must serve relocated staff and visitors.

A council spokesperson said the managed parking system would increase capacity for visitors and staff, prioritise parking for those using the site, and cut extended stays by non-users. Charging details would need approval from elected members.

The barriers could be removed later without harm to the building's historical structure.