At the most recent meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Planning Committee, elected representatives unanimously approved a proposed residential development of 95 dwellings including roads, parking, infrastructure, landscaping and the retention of the nearby bawn wall. The plan was a reduction from a former plan involving 108 dwellings.
The area was historically the site of Castle Garden Spinning Mills. It is currently waste ground with bits of hard surfacing, rubble and old foundations from previous buildings on the site. The council planning report states: “The proposal will not damage the quality of the local area and will respect the surrounding context. The site is within the settlement limit of Newtownards where the character of the immediate area is mixed use comprising commercial, industrial and residential properties.
The report adds: “Planting will be added throughout the site to aid integration, provide interest and soften the visual impact of the development. Pedestrian walkways and two linear open space areas will be included and landscaped to provide linkages with the town centre, aiding permeability, and the built heritage of the site and the surrounding area.
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