The need to protect the overall 'character' of a suburban area north of Belfast has seen a plan for a new apartment development halted.

The original initiative was to demolish a Glengormley shopping complex and replace it with more than 100 apartments.

Now, the NI Planning Service has issued a refusal decision in respect of an application by PBN Holdings Ltd to knock down retail units at Carnmoney Road - which are currently occupied by Tesco - and several smaller stores.

The plan to replace the existing supermarket complex with a major residential development comprising 112 apartments was turned down on several grounds.

Refusing the application, officials said that it had not been demonstrated that the development would create a quality and sustainable residential environment.

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They also said that the proposed development would create "an unacceptable precedent" with a potential cumulative impact of "similar development which would detract from the environmental quality, residential amenity and established character of the surrounding area".

The planners stressed that if the proposal was permitted, the development would cause "unacceptable damage to residential amenity" for people living in adjoining properties in Inniscoole and Hillview.

Members of Newtownabbey Council's Planning Committee were informed of the refusal decision at their monthly meeting where Glengormley councillor Janet Crilly described the planners' stance as "a good decision."

Speaking after the meeting, Alderman Nigel Hamilton added: "I'm delighted that they turned this plan down. It was completely inappropriate for that location."

Meanwhile, an outline planning application to demolish a dwelling and outhouses at Main Street, Straid and build eight apartments on the site has also been turned down.

Planners refused that application on the grounds that it would "result in unacceptable damage to the local character and environmental quality of the area" as well.

(BMcC/JM)