Ballynahinch Uproar Over 'Eyesore'

A plan for apartments in a Co Down town is facing concerted local opposition.

According to the local newspaper, the Mourne Observer, opponents of a social housing scheme in Ballynahinch, which has been likened to "a carbuncle," took their concerns to the headquarters of Down District Council.

Members of the Chestnutt Meadows Residents' Association - who comprise some of the 800 objectors to register their concerns - leafleted Councillors as they entered the building in advance of the monthly meeting.

Their concerns centre on the design of apartments at Riverside Road, which they believe flies in the face of the plans originally lodged with Planning Service.

The residents have taken their concerns to a number of local politicians, who in turn are calling for the planning approval for the properties to be reviewed by the Planning Service's management board.

While acknowledging there is a demand for social homes in the area, they say the design of the apartment blocks represents an eyesore on the local landscape, and on one of the main roads into the busy town.

The airing of these latest concerns comes just weeks after local politicians met with Planning Service representatives to see if some compromises could be reached regarding altering the building, but last week's Council meeting heard how they believed their suggestions and concerns "fell on deaf ears."

Meanwhile, an upgrade of nearby Crossgar's sewage pumping station and a re-design of the village's storm gullies are 'in the pipeline' to help alleviate ongoing flooding issues.

However, a spokesperson for NI Water explained that this scheme includes plans to upgrade a main sewer on Downpatrick Street in Crossgar: "The scheme is in NI Water's capital works programme and is subject to NI Water receiving the necessary approvals and funding."

(BMcC/KMcA)