A £14 million investment in the Kingfisher Country Estate in Templepatrick has been approved which will greatly improve its tourism appeal.

The plans include an extension to the main hotel building for an additional 68-bedroom suites with a ground floor function room and conservatory, as well as a mix of shepherd huts, glamping pods, log cabins and a hotel manager's lodge. It is estimated that 30-50 construction jobs will be created during the build with a further 70-100 full and part time jobs upon completion.

This proposed extension, situated on the southern side of the hotel, will offer views of the golf course and pond. This four-storey annex will feature a function room, toilets, lobby, bar, storage and cloakrooms on the ground floor. The first, second and third floors will each contain 20-bedroom suites, while the fourth floor will house the remaining eight suites.

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A glazed corridor will link the proposed sunroom with the existing hotel building. The plans include eight glamping cabins, 10 shepherd huts and three larger log cabins, all equipped with self-catering facilities to offer visitors a variety of year-round accommodation options. Additionally, the approved plans will add 304 more parking spaces.

Chairperson of Antrim and Newtownabbey Planning Committee, Cllr Jeanie Archibald-Brown said: "I am delighted these plans have been approved for the extension of the Kingfisher Country Estate. The additional accommodation options will appeal to a wider clientele attracting more visitors to the hotel and the Borough, which also underpins the demand for hotel accommodation in the area."

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly added: "This significant investment by the Kingfisher Country Estate is a great boost for the local tourism sector. The alternative accommodation options are an exciting addition to this well-established hotel and will complement the existing tourism offering."