Stop The Build launches as community opposition intensifies over riverside housing plans in Ballymena
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Local UUP Councillor Brian Thompson with Rosie Orr and a number of other local residents launch Stop The Build Community Group as they deliver a strongly supported petition and letters of opposition to council’s planning director at Ardeevin, Ballymena.
Opposition is continuing to grow against a proposed housing development close to the Braid River Walk in Ballymena, with residents from across the wider Tullygarley and Galgorm Road areas joining forces to protect what they describe as an important shared green spaces, and have formally launched Stop The Build Community Group.
While residents of Dunluce Park have been central to organising opposition, campaigners stress that concerns extend far beyond one housing estate.
People from Leighinmohr Avenue, Grange Road, Dans Road, The Rosses, the wider Tullygarley area and further afield regularly use the Braid River Walk, and fear the development would have lasting consequences for access, wildlife and community wellbeing.
The proposals, brought forward by JFM Construction, seek outline planning permission for a 28-unit residential development on land approximately 160 metres south-east of Dunluce Park, with access via Dunluce Park and Kenbane Crescent.
The site plan for the proposed residential development (outlined in red) with access from Dunluce Park, off the Dane Road in Ballymena
The site runs close to the River Braid corridor, a wildlife haven, and a popular route used daily by walkers, runners, anglers, dog owners and families.
A shared green space for the whole community
Campaigners say the Braid River Walk is not an isolated amenity serving a single estate, but a continuous natural corridor linking communities and providing a rare traffic-free space close to Ballymena town centre.
In a statement issued by Stop the Build Community Group, campaigners explained why the river walk matters so deeply:
“We are local residents from Dunluce Park who have come together to stand up for our community. Our river walk isn’t just a strip of land—it’s a lifeline. It is where families walk their dogs, children explore and learn about nature, anglers fish, runners train, and everyone finds a moment of peace. During COVID, this green space became even more precious to us all.”
Residents from neighbouring areas say the path is equally vital to them, offering accessible green space that supports physical activity, mental wellbeing and connection with nature for people of all ages.
Expansion plans raise alarm
The campaign group says the current proposal would add significantly to existing development pressures in the area.
“A developer wants to expand on already-approved planning permission for 50 houses by a further 28 houses on land 160 metres South-East of Dunluce Park, right next to our beloved river.”
Residents argue that incremental development risks eroding the character and ecological value of the river corridor, particularly given the narrow access routes through established residential streets.
Traffic, wildlife and environmental impact
The residents’ group has outlined a number of concerns shared by users of the Braid River Walk from across Ballymena:
“The issues we are facing with this proposed build are:
Access to the proposed site is through Dunluce Park Estate, which is already dangerously overburdened as the current access infrastructure is already unsuitable.
Heavy construction traffic through residential streets for 3-5 years.
Risk to our protected wildlife; otters, bats and badgers.
Disruption to the 40+ bird species that call the surrounding trees and grasslands their home.
Damage to our natural ecosystem.
The proposal includes a waste water pumping station, which could potentially further negatively impact the surrounding natural environment.”
Environmental concerns have been echoed by political representatives, who have highlighted the presence of protected species and the importance of safeguarding riverside habitats.
Widespread support beyond one estate
Last week, Stop The Build on Thursday 8 January, presented a much supported petition and other documents to Kyle Patterson, Head of Planning at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
The group states the level of opposition to the proposal reflects the views of a much wider cross-section of the community, not just immediate neighbours.
“We have submitted the following documents to the Head of The Planning Department to demonstrate the strength of the objections from residents and people beyond the local area to this proposed development.”
They added:
“These included:
• More than 1200 Signatures
• More than 50 Letters of Protest
• A Statement of objection from the residents of Dunluce Park Estate”
Many of those signatures come from regular users of the Braid River Walk who do not live in Dunluce Park but say the route is essential to their daily lives.
Community organisation and political engagement
Residents have also confirmed ongoing engagement with elected representatives at council, Assembly and Westminster level.
“We have also held meetings with local councillors and the MLA for the area, as well as our MP, all of whom have indicated their ongoing support for our campaign to Stop The Build.”
The campaign has now developed a structured approach:
“A local resident’s group meets on a weekly basis to share information, discuss progress made and plan a way forward.”
Campaigners say the diversity of supporters highlights the wider significance of the river walk:
“This campaign has already gathered support and interest from local people and further afield from all walks of life. This demonstrates just how vital this area is to us all.”
What happens next
The proposals remain at the pre-application community consultation stage, ahead of submission to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Once lodged, the application will be assessed by planning officers before being considered by the council’s planning committee.
Residents and river walk users say they will continue to campaign, arguing that protecting the Braid River Walk is about preserving a shared asset for the entire town, not opposing development in principle.
Supporters are being encouraged to join the Stop The Build Community Group on Facebook as the campaign continues.