Approval for Down Royal development is deferred

Mr Craig told the council’s planning committee he believed it was unlikely the plan for 12 two storey townhouses and 68 apartments at the site of the old Down Royal Public House at Ballinderry Road would go ahead soon even if permission was granted.

Planners had recommended the application, which was originally submitted in 2008, should be approved.

However, the Planning Officer agreed to Mr Craig’s call for a deferral based on the large number of objections, with 27 letters opposed to the scheme having been received.

Mr Craig said he believed any plan with up to four storey apartments would be a massive over development of the existing site and would no give sufficient consideration to those who live nearby.

“If it went ahead we could see four storey apartments overlooking neighbouring bungalows” Mr Craig said. “I can understand why people who live in the area are upset by this planning application but I believe it is more aspirational than reality.”

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