UPDATE: The final stage of a significant residential development in Newtownards has just received approval, marking a crucial milestone for local housing. During the December 2023 meeting of the Ards and North Down Planning Committee, councillors voted 8 to 2 in favor of a project that will bring 62 new dwellings to lands off Tullynagardy Avenue.
This development is poised to address the urgent need for housing in the area, as it represents the last segment of designated land for residential building in a region that is rapidly evolving. The site, currently comprising two agricultural fields, has been zoned for housing, and existing nearby residential structures reflect a mixture of designs, including detached and semi-detached homes.
Planning officers recommended the application, with NI Water being the only statutory body to raise concerns. Despite 22 letters of objection from local residents, the committee moved forward, emphasizing the necessity of new housing options. The planning report assures that the design and scale of the proposed homes will harmonize with the aesthetic of surrounding properties.
Councillors highlighted the importance of retaining existing trees and hedges to mitigate the visual impact of the development. A recommendation was made for an additional landscaped buffer along the western boundary of the site, enhancing the area’s natural beauty.
“The design, scale and massing of the proposed housing is very similar to that already developed on the previously approved section of the designation,”
stated the planning report.
However, concerns from objectors included the potential impact on wildlife, particularly regarding badgers residing near the site. Green Councillor Laura Kendall, one of the dissenting votes, expressed worries about the temporary displacement of badger setts during construction, stating,
“I believe there will be harm to the badgers.”
The planning committee’s decision comes at a time when housing demand is intensifying across the region, making this development even more critical. The approval signals a proactive approach to meet local needs while balancing environmental considerations.
As the project moves into the construction phase, residents are urged to stay informed about the developments. The implications of this approval will resonate throughout the community, impacting both local residents and potential new homeowners.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the construction timeline and further details are confirmed. This project marks a pivotal moment for Newtownards, and its effects will be closely monitored by both supporters and objectors alike.
