Architects and Planning Consultants, Slemish Design Studio, based in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Our portfolio boasts an extensive range of architectural and planning solutions, with a variety of projects throughout Northern Ireland, UK and Republic of Ireland
We’d like to wish all those a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. We’ve had a great year at Slemish Design Studio, from finally fixing up our office, to finalists for Best new business of the year to getting some great projects on the board, with any luck 2014 & beyond will be the same for us all.
Have a great break & see you all in 2014!!
Steven & Joe
We have confirmed a number of times we want a safe, family and tourist friendly path at Raceview, to replace the old muddy and dangerous one which was normally used only by dog walkers.
We are delighted therefore to announce our proposal for a BUTTERFLY path running from the Knockan Road, all the way along the river, through the mill to the Raceview Road. This will be a tourist/family friendly path, with butterfly attracting plants alongside.
Here is a comparison of the old path and the new one.
OLD PATH
To the side of the old path for most of the way are houses, high concrete posts and ugly wire fencing.
BUTTERFLY PATH
… will run all the way along the river and trees, then through the restored mill.
OLD PATH
The old path runs along the primary school grounds endangering children, for instance from people taking photos over or through the fence.
BUTTERFLY PATH
… is well away from the school.
OLD PATH
The old path has over 100 yards of a long, horrible, narrow section. In places little more than two feet wide. Pattons raised the height of the concrete wall to 11 foot, topped with barbed wire to keep out those who congregated there.
BUTTERFLY PATH
… will have good width all the way.
OLD PATH
The narrow section of the old path has three, blind 90 degree bends. You cannot see who is coming behind you, or who is up ahead. Unsafe and nasty.
BUTTERFLY PATH
… will have no blind turns.
OLD PATH
Because of the narrow section it could not be made safe or suitable for tourists and families. We doubt any woman has ever walked it without holding her breath.
BUTTERFLY PATH
… will be one where you will want to take visitors, completely safe and insurable – a tourist magnet.
OLD PATH
No facilities
BUTTERFLY PATH
At the mill end will be toilets, places to sit and relax, have a coffee and a browse around the restored mill if you wish.
OLD PATH
Threatens jobs and economic development
BUTTERFLY PATH
… will help the local economy by providing passing trade for the local fledgling businesses in the craft and enterprise units.
We are convinced the old path was a permissive right of way, not a public right of way. Given the evidence we have collected, we believe the council’s investigation will confirm this.
We had to close the old path for safety reasons and we did so properly after consultation with council officers and giving proper written notice.
Sincere thanks to those forward thinking members of the Broughshane community who have been so supportive to date. Raceview Mill is a commercial venture but that does not mean it cannot also be an asset to the whole community.
