Tesco has been trying to open a store in Ballycastle since 2005 when it first submitted an application for a store on Leyland road.
In 2007 Tesco appealed following planning refusal but later withdrew its appeal following a concerted campaign by traders in the town. Please see an article in the Guardian, 7th October 2007.
In 2009 new plans were submitted. A petition opposing the development was signed by over 3,000 people. Planning service said the retail and residential plan for the site would have an "adverse impact" on Ballycastle town centre.