Villagers reject plan for Strangford ‘cage’

Villagers reject plan for Strangford ‘cage’

3 July 2013

CONCERN in Strangford about a controversial plan to seal off a large section of the village quay from the public is to be raised with Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood.

The Department of Regional Development (DRD) is seeking planning approval to fence off part of the quay to provide what is being described as a “controlled access area” for people visiting the village in mini cruise ships.

The DRD said it is required to provide such areas under international shipping and port security legislation to allow visitors to be met by harbour masters on arrival.

But local people are outraged at the proposal and met last weekend with South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and councillor Gareth Sharvin to outline their concerns.

As a result, Miss Ritchie is seeking talks with Mr. Attwood to discuss the DRD proposal. She is also seeking a meeting with senior officials from the DRD and Planning Service.

The MP said no one in Strangford has been consulted about the proposal and there’s concern that the creation of the access area, surrounded by a near two metre high fence which will have two three metre wide access gates for vehicles, will “interfere with the rights of local residents and restrict access to the quay.”

Miss Ritchie said while there are suggestions the new fence may be related to European Union directives, nothing has yet been specified.

She continued: “It’s quite clear this proposed fence would be out of character with Strangford’s conservation area and will impact on the local residential and environmental amenity.

“The fence will not enhance the area and there will be a loss of public open space which is now to be used for other purposes. The separation of the quay into two distinct areas calls into question the use to which the cordoned off area will be put.”

The MP said residents residents rightly feel the proposed fence, which will block an existing right of way, indicates that the planning application should not be approved. Miss Ritchie said the fence will restrict residents’ access to the quay and to boats moored at this part of the village.

She added: “I have asked for meetings with senior officials from the DRD and Planning Service to ensure that the views of Strangford residents are properly reflected and that they are given an opportunity to put forward their objections to this proposal.”

Miss Ritchie said she will be asking Mr. Attwood to ensure the DRD submits an environmental impact statement alongside its planning application.

Councillor Sharvin said people in Strangford are opposed to the DRD proposal and agreed there is a need for DRD and Planning Service officials to meet with local residents to listen to their concerns.

“If this fence is erected it will have a negative impact on Strangford village and the promotion of the internationally acclaimed waterway as a visitor destination. Hopefully, with all interested parties working together, a resolution acceptable to all can be reached,” he added.