90 homes plan sparks meeting

90 homes plan sparks meeting

12 February 2014

RESIDENTS who live at the Saul Road in Downpatrick have held a meeting to discuss the planned construction of almost 90 new private homes.

An application seeking full permission has been lodged with the Planning Service to develop a large site adjacent to the existing Ardenlee Gardens and Ardfern private developments.

Permission is being sought for 52 semi-detached homes, 21 bungalows, eight terraced houses and six detached homes.

Residents who live close to the proposed development site say while they broadly accept the development plan, much work needs to be done before they will be totally happy.

Councillor Colin McGrath, who was at the recent residents’ meeting, said they are seeking a number of assurances before building work gets underway.

He explained one of the major issues is access to the proposed housing development. He is urging planners to insist that the developer builds part of a new access road linking the Strangford and Ballyhornan roads.

The road is outlined in the area plan to help address town centre congestion and the Planning Service has suggested it should be developed as new housing progresses. Councillor McGrath said the proposed housing scheme is along the route of the so-called eastern distributor road.

The local politician said residents are also concerned at the style, shape and size of some of the proposed new homes and suggested walkways linking Ardenlee Gardens with the new development.

“An old lane at this part of the town does not feature in the new homes plan and there is some concern it could become a magnet for anti-social behaviour,” continued councillor McGrath.

“As a former Ardenlee Gardens resident, I am all too familiar with the difficult topography of the land which is to be developed. Residents are also concerned a hedge separating Ardenlee Gardens from the development site could be difficult to maintain, even though the planning application includes details of a management company being appointed to look after it.”