Ballymena housing development sparks community outrage as residents rally to protect Braid River Walk

The River Braid, Ballymena

A proposed housing development near the Tullygarley area of Ballymena has ignited significant opposition from local residents, who are rallying to protect the cherished Braid River Walk.

As concerns mount over environmental, traffic, and ecological impacts, a public consultation event held on 1 September 2025 at the Adair Arms Hotel drew attention to the controversial plans.

With a growing online petition and cross-party political support, the community is united in its fight to preserve this vital green space.

Proposed Development Details

Location plan and proposed house designs for the development near the River Braid.

The development, proposed by Toomebridge-based JFM Construction, involves constructing 27 residential units on a 2.09-hectare site approximately 160 metres south-east of Dunluce Park, Ballymena.

The site, within Ballymena’s settlement development limit, consists of agricultural fields sloping towards a stream that feeds into the Braid River. The plans include a mix of detached, semi-detached, chalet bungalows, and terraced homes.

Key features of the proposal include:

•  Varied housing types to ensure visual diversity in the streetscape.

•  Access points through Dunluce Park and Kenbane Crescent.

•  Parking provisions compliant with government residential design guidance.

•  Public open space constituting over 10% of the site.

•  Landscaping to create a “high-quality residential environment.”

•  Replacement of an approved wastewater treatment plant with a pumping station.

The developer has assured that no construction will occur within the floodplain area of the site.

Community Concerns Intensify

The proposed development has sparked significant unease among residents, particularly those living near Grange Road, Dans Road, Tullygarley, and The Rosses.

UUP Ballymena Councillor Brian Thompson with representatives of the local community group opposed to the housing development along the River Braid.

A community group opposing the project has voiced concerns about its potential to disrupt the Braid River walk, a popular recreational route cherished by walkers, runners, anglers, and families.

“We are a community who are wanting to make residents and Ballymena community aware of a planning proposal, of a new residential development between Tullygarley and Grange Road river walk,” the group stated.

“We are concerned about access, traffic, environmental, biodiversity, and ecological impact. We want to ensure this development is public knowledge to as much of the community as possible.”

The Braid River walk, described as a “lifeline” for physical and mental well-being, gained particular significance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This walk is loved by walkers, runners, anglers and is has been critical to physical and mental wellbeing, especially over Covid. How amazing it is to have this walk on our doorstep,” the community group added.

“Stop The Build”

An online petition, launched on 10 September 2025, has garnered 299 signatures, aiming for 500, with supporters like Rowena Hamilton urging action to protect the area. The petition highlights risks of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased traffic, which could compromise the safety and accessibility of the river walk.

Political Support Bolsters Campaign

Local councillors and political representatives have joined the community’s efforts, meeting with residents on 19 September 2025 to discuss the development’s implications.

Local political representatives have backed the community in opposing the proposed development.

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Councillor Brian Thompson outlined three primary concerns:

“Firstly, the project would drastically increase traffic, not just with cars but with heavy vehicles such as 8-wheel tippers and articulated lorries. The entrance through Dunluce Park is simply not designed to accommodate this level of traffic,” he said.

“With construction projected to span three to five years, the resulting disruption in residential areas—where children play and residents access schools and the county hall—would be phenomenal. It just can’t happen.”

Thompson also highlighted the ecological significance of the area:

“Secondly, this area is one of natural beauty, teeming with diverse wildlife, including 40 species of birds, some as rare as the greenfinch, captured by a local wildlife photographer. We also have video evidence of otters in the river, a species protected under UK and European legislation.

The otter, a protected species under UK and European legislation, photographed in the River Braid.

(Photos: Jonathan Rosborough Photography)

“This development threatens to irreparably harm this precious ecosystem.”

He emphasised the mental health benefits of the river walk:

“Thirdly, the river path is a lifeline for the physical and mental well-being of our community. Used by dog walkers, ornithologists, fishermen, mums with toddlers, and many others, it provides a vital green space for relaxation and recreation, stretching from Grange Road.

“In the times we live in, safeguarding local green areas like this is crucial for the mental health benefits they offer our community.”

The campaign has united politicians across the spectrum, including Sinn Féin Councillor Bréanainn Lynas, TUV Party Leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister, TUV MLA Timothy Gaston, UUP MLA Jon Burrows, and TUV councillors Matthew Armstrong and Anna Henry.

A retired construction worker who lives in the area has also collected 100 signatures for a local petition focused on access issues.

Sinn Féin’s Bréanainn Lynas echoed environmental concerns:

“I have growing concerns about the proposed development in Dunluce. The site is home to protected otters and a range of nesting birds, and moving forward without fully assessing the impact on their habitats would be a serious mistake.

“From my conversations with residents and fellow representatives, it’s clear that the community is not in favour of these plans.”

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows added:

“There are significant and well founded concerns about this proposal. The existing river walk must be protected it is vital for physical and mental wellbeing of our community. There are also serious environmental and ecological concerns about the proposal.”

TUV’s Jim Allister MP raised practical issues:

“The proposed riverside housing development would cause a disproportionate increase in the traffic load on Dunluce Park, Ballymena. This road already struggles to cope with the vehicles generated by existing residents.

“The idea that dozens more houses should be added, with Dunluce Park as the only means in and out, has rightly stirred objection from local residents.”

Environmental and Infrastructure Worries

A Kingfisher photographed along the River Braid, along with other wildlife.

(Photos: Jonathan Rosborough Photography)

The development’s potential impact on local wildlife, including protected otters and rare bird species like the greenfinch, has been a focal point of opposition.

Residents fear that construction could disrupt the delicate ecosystem along the Braid River, with one supporter, Michael from Antrim, citing the devastation caused by a similar development along the Six Mile Water in Antrim.

Traffic concerns are equally pressing, with Dunluce Park’s narrow roads deemed unsuitable for the increased vehicular activity, including heavy construction vehicles.

The need for a new pumping station, due to the public sewage system’s inability to cope, has further fuelled calls for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment.

Community Action and Next Steps

The community’s campaign has gained momentum through grassroots efforts, including the online petition (available at https://chng.it/DxD5JCy5Vc) and local signature drives.

Residents are urging others to attend future consultations and engage with decision-makers, including the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

As Councillor Thompson noted:

“This is cross-community politics at its best, and we are dedicated to working with the chief planning officer to preserve our green spaces, ensuring they remain a haven for mental health and community well-being.”

The community remains vigilant, and determined to protect the Braid River Walk for future generations.