Shore plans spark huge protest from residents

Shore plans spark huge protest from residents

10 June 2015

PLANNERS and local politicians have been asked to veto plans for new camping pods to be built on the shores of Strangford Lough.

A group of residents and ramblers opposed to the plan staged a quiet protest outside the Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick on Monday morning before a delegation met with the district’s senior planning officials.

Those opposed to plans to locate three camping pods at Ringhaddy Road near Killinchy hope the planning committee of Newry, Mourne and Down Council will refuse them “in defence of the environment and Strangford Lough.”

A proposal to allow the development of the camping pods was initially recommended for approval by the Planning Service, but the decision was deferred at one of the final meetings of the old Down Council to allow opponents of the scheme to meet with planners to outline their concerns.

Over 90 objections have been lodged, and Ringhaddy resident, Sir Denis Faulkner, hopes Monday’s meeting will “achieve a positive outcome.” He said those opposed to the planning application hope it will be turned down.

“We fear that granting permission for these pods could be the thin end of the wedge and that they could be turned into some form of permanent accommodation further down the line. We fear there could be more development spreading along this particular piece of land,” said Sir Denis.

“This part of Strangford Lough has secured practically every designation going and there is a lot of concern about this particular proposal. I am buoyed by the support of so many people here today and do not know of one dissenting voice outside of the applicant seeking permission for the pods.”

Strangford MP, Jim Shannon expressed concern about allowing what he described as “piecemeal development” along the shores of Strangford Lough.

“Today’s meeting is to reiterate to planning officials the concerns of local people and elected representatives about this particular issue. 

The number of people here today reflects how strongly they feel about this planning application,” he continued.

“This is not a case of ‘not in my back yard.’ This is an issue which could impact on the whole Strangford Lough shoreline. I believe if this particular proposal secures approval, it could lead to a domino effect with similar applications being lodged for other areas.”

Councillor Billy Walker said the delegation which met with planners got a “fair hearing” and confirmed they are expected to come back with their recommendation before the end of the summer. Describing Monday’s meeting as “fruitful and worthwhile,” he said it provided those opposed to the camping pods with an opportunity to have face-to-face talks with planners.

Councillor Walker continued: “The area earmarked for the camping pods is one of outstanding natural beauty and people are concerned about the impact allowing this proposal to proceed will have on this part of Strangford Lough.”

The Rowallane councillor said Ringhaddy residents are also concerned that parts of a right of way linking the Ringhaddy and Quarterland roads on the shores of the lough, which was asserted by Down Council, remain inaccessible. He said he plans to raise the issue with Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials “to ensure the route is immediately made fully accessible.”