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Planning applications for three luxury houses above the scenic Swinley Bay in Bangor has led to an 'outcry', local representatives of residents have claimed Three approved planning applications for developments along the North Down coastal path have sparked anger among local residents who say they threaten one of the area’s most cherished spots. The applications did not go before the Ards and North Down Council Planning Committee , but were rather approved by officials. Planning approval was given by delegated authority in 2021 and early 2022. READ MORE: Plan by council to charge fees for Tree Preservation Orders slammed READ MORE: North Down councillor urges public action over closure of coastal access path Alliance Alderman Martin McRandal recently joined locals in a protest against the development. He said: “Swinley Bay, known for its peaceful beach and long-standing woodland backdrop, has been loved by locals as a place of natural beauty and calm, away from urban life, and has been enjoyed for generations. However, approved applications for housing above this gem has caused widespread frustration, with many claiming the proposals went under the radar." Locals have reported a large number of trees have been removed not only to make space for the houses but also to open up views for the new properties. This, they argue, directly contradicts the planning approval that stated the woodland was to be retained. Alderman McRandal added: “As a keen walker and regular coastal path user, I was shocked to see the brutal destruction of woodland at the development site. Photos really don't do it justice. We are investigating what can be done to effectively retrieve the situation. “I have a lot of questions for the council's Planning Department. If there are lessons to be learned from this in respect of the planning process, and I suspect there are, then I will do my utmost to ensure that happens.” The North Down Coastal Path as a whole is designated as a Special Protection Area, Area of Special Scientific interest and is also one of only 175 Ramsar sites across the UK. Louise Mackey, a regular walker on the coastal path said: “If people had realised what this meant for Swinley Bay, there would have been far greater objection. The building of these houses will not only ruin Swinley Bay aesthetically but disturb the array of wildlife that call it home. “The building work will cause serious long term disturbance to the bay and the introduction of long term light pollution will also have an irreversible effect on wildlife.’ Green Party Councillor Barry McKee said: “What has happened at Swinley Bay has left people genuinely shocked and angry. That anger will only grow as more walkers see the scale of the damage for themselves. “The felling of mature trees has exposed just how weak our protections really are. Even Tree Preservation Orders offer little defence when a development-led system, driven by profit, is allowed to override nature. “Swinley Bay is not an anomaly but a warning. Unless we fundamentally refocus our planning system to recognise the true value of natural spaces and the places the public cherishes, we will continue to lose them. Without root-and-branch reform, what has happened here will be repeated and more special landscapes will be sacrificed." A petition has now been launched at Change.org . calling for the revocation of the planning approval. Within days it has attracted hundreds of signatures from residents and regular visitors to the bay. A representative from local group, Greenspaces, Bangor and North Down, Louise Macartney said: “It's very shocking that this development can have got this far and been approved, without the transformative impact on the coastline being flagged up. “The impact on the bay, now that we see the great clearing felled, will be to totally and permanently transform the atmosphere of this part of the coastal walk. “The whole point of the outcry in 2022, against plans to widen and urbanize the coastal path, was about the spirit of the place being changed forever. 300 people turned up at the Town Hall when the meeting was held, and the plan was unanimously rejected. “So it's incredibly frustrating that no one had an opportunity to object to this development. Of the thousands of walkers who enjoy this Bay, not one of them was notified that the change was imminent. “We can't let this precedent be set. Planning must take account of the visual amenity for the many tourists, visitors and locals who cherish the natural environment of this public space.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter
