Kilrea-based Chic Ltd proposed the  plan for the £5.8 million Crankill Hotel, a 45,000 sq ft hospiality venue expected to create around 30 jobs.

The company is owned by retailer Kenny Bradley, who owns a chain of supermarkets and fuel forecourts across Northern Ireland.

The proposal centres on a site at 153 Crankill Road, some six miles north of Ballymena.

Mr Bradley previously developed the services operation on the busy A26 dual carriageway, which links Ballymena and Ballymoney.

Planning officials say they do not accept that safe vehicular access can be achieved for the proposed hotel.

In a report prepared for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s planning committee, planners said: “The principle and majority of the details of the proposed hotel are acceptable at this location.

“However, despite numerous attempts, the applicant has been unable to demonstrate that safe vehicular access can be achieved.”