The NI Planning service has recommended that a proposed new store development in seaside Ballycastle, which would have included a Tesco store, should be refused.

They said the retail and residential plan for the site would have an "adverse impact" on Ballycastle town centre.

The controversial plan was supported by more than 1,000 letters and a petition but was still turned down as another petition opposing the development was signed by over 3,000 people

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Tesco's recent record on getting planning permission in Northern Ireland has been mixed.

In February planning service recommended that a proposal to build a Tesco superstore in Londonderry be refused. The retailer had submitted an application for the supermarket on the Buncrana Road.

In March the firm was given the go-ahead to build a large store on the outskirts of Banbridge after two previous planning applications had been rejected.

In June last year permission was refused for a supermarket on the old FG Wilson site at Hillhead Road in Ballyclare but is now building a new super store at the former Northcott site, in Glengormley.

It is due to be open before Christmas.

See: Demolition Phase For Sandyknowes Centre

(BMcC)