Skip the NI Direct Bar
Skip navigation

Minister visits new-style Land & Property Services Office

Thursday, 10 December 2009

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, today visited a new ‘one-stop shop’ in Ballymena for members of the public with rating, valuation, land registry, or mapping-related queries.

The ‘Ballymena Customer Information Centre’ is a pilot project being run by Land & Property Services (LPS) to bring all its services together under one roof for ease of access. The offices are based at Academy House, on Broughshane Street in the town.

Mr Wilson said: “This pilot project is seeing LPS making its services available to people in their own areas. With the opening of this centre customers are able to access a range of products and services, many of which would previously only have been available in Belfast.

“Since its opening at the end of October, customers have been able to access services in relation to rating, land registration, valuation and mapping in one place rather than having to travel between buildings, or even to Belfast. LPS will be closely monitoring the performance of the centre over the coming year to gauge how well it meets the needs of customers.

“I would encourage the people of Ballymena and beyond to visit the Centre to see for themselves the enhanced range of products and services now available in their local area.”

The services available in the Customer Information Centre include:

Rates:

  • answering queries;
  • discussing payment options including setting up direct debits; and
  • information on getting help to pay your rates.

Valuation:

  • inspecting the Valuation List;
  • answering enquiries about rateable valuations; and
  • making an application for revision of the Valuation List.

Land Registration:

  • searching land and property ownership in Northern Ireland; and
  • purchase of uncertified Land Registry copy maps and folios.

Maps Available:

  • ACE maps for planning permission;
  • a selection of standard printed and historical maps; and
  • Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland paper maps.

John Wilkinson, Chief Executive of LPS said: “Providing an excellent service to our customers is one of our key priorities. With that in mind we developed the Ballymena Customer Information Centre which is the first truly integrated LPS service in Northern Ireland.

“Even at this early stage, customer feedback has been excellent and it’s clear that people enjoy the convenience of having our enhanced range of services on their doorstep.”

The centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30am – 4.30pm and on Friday from 10am – 4.30pm.

Notes to editors:

  1. Media queries should be directed to the DFP Communications Office on 028 9025 5734. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.