‘This is not over’: Campaign against Ballymena riverside development enters new phase

The site off the Dans Road being cleared with local residents reporting the removal of ‘several ancient trees’

Opponents of a controversial housing development beside Ballymena’s Braid River Walk say their campaign is far from over after holding a community information night this week following the recent planning decision that approved the scheme in principle.

Residents and campaign supporters gathered at the Leighinmohr House Hotel on Thursday evening, June 2, to hear updates on the development, discuss potential next steps and explore what options remain open to those opposed to the proposal.

The meeting came just weeks after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee voted by nine votes to two to approve outline planning permission for a 28-home development on lands south-east of Dunluce Park near Tullygarley.

For campaigners, the vote represented a significant setback — but not the end of the process.

What councillors approved — and what they didn’t

Representatives and speakers from Stop The Build Community Group at Thursday evening’s meeting in Leighinmohr House Hotel.

One of the key messages delivered during the evening centred on what the planning decision actually means.

The permission granted by councillors was for outline planning permission only.

In simple terms, that means councillors approved the principle of residential development on the site, rather than the detailed design of the scheme itself.

No final housing layouts, house designs, landscaping proposals, drainage arrangements or detailed access plans have yet been approved.

Before any construction work could begin, developers would still need to return to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council with a separate reserved matters application setting out those details in full.

That application would be subject to further assessment by planning officers and further public scrutiny.

However, campaigners argue that the outline approval represents a major milestone because it establishes housing development as an acceptable use for the site in planning terms.

The Braid River Walk remains the heart of the campaign

Ballymena Ulster Unionist councillor Brian Thompson speaking at the meeting organised by Stop The Build Community Group

At the centre of the dispute is the Braid River Walk and the wider riverside environment surrounding it.

Campaigners have consistently stressed that opposition extends far beyond residents of Dunluce Park Estate itself.

The riverside route is regularly used by residents from across Dunluce Park, Grange Road, Dans Road, Tullygarley, The Rosses and wider Ballymena for walking, running, fishing, wildlife watching and recreation.

For many local people, it represents one of the few easily accessible stretches of natural riverside habitat close to the town centre.

Supporters of the campaign argue that while the planning proposals may leave the path physically intact, the issue is about protecting the wider setting, biodiversity and character of the river corridor.

The campaign group has repeatedly described the walk as an important resource for physical health, mental wellbeing and community life — something many residents say became especially important during the Covid pandemic.

One of Ballymena’s most controversial planning applications in recent years

The proposed development has become one of the most high-profile and divisive planning issues Ballymena has faced in recent years.

The outline application, submitted by Toomebridge-based JFM Construction, seeks permission for:

• 28 dwellings

• Access through developments already approved under previous planning permissions

• A pumping station

• Landscaping and associated site works

The site is located approximately 160 metres south-east of Dunluce Park and sits close to the River Braid corridor and surrounding green space.

Planning officers concluded the application complied with planning policy and recommended approval.

In doing so, they highlighted that statutory consultees including DFI Roads, DfI Rivers, NI Water and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency raised no objections subject to conditions and mitigation measures.

Strong local opposition remains

Local residents gathered, opposed to the new housing development along the River Braid in Ballymena.

The planning application generated substantial opposition during the consultation process.

Council documents show the application attracted:

• 53 formal letters of objection

• One petition containing 885 signatures

• No letters of support

Campaigners have previously stated that opposition to the development extended beyond those figures, claiming support from more than 1,000 residents and users of the Braid River Walk.

Concerns raised throughout the campaign have focused on:

• Increased traffic through residential streets.

• Construction disruption over several years.

• Flooding concerns.

• The proposed pumping station.

• Potential impacts on otters, birds and other wildlife.

• The long-term effect on the character of the riverside environment.

The campaign has also attracted support from political representatives from across the political spectrum.

Community group discusses next steps

Local resident Willie Drennan speaking at the local community meeting, organised by Stop The Build Community Group

Ahead of the event, organisers said they wanted to bring residents together to explain where matters currently stand and discuss how the campaign could continue.

The evening included updates on the planning process, discussion around possible future options and the screening of documentary footage examining the site, the issues surrounding the development and the wider significance of the area.

Speakers included Rosaleen Orr, Councillor Brian Thompson, Willie Drennan and Mario Burns.

Campaign organisers also invited attendees to raise questions, share concerns and contribute ideas about how the campaign should move forward.

‘We are stronger together’

Following the meeting, a spokesperson for Stop The Build Community Group thanked those who attended and reiterated the group’s commitment to continuing the campaign.

The spokesperson said:

“Huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Information Night last night.

“What an incredible turnout! The energy in the room was absolutely buzzing, and it’s so inspiring to see our community come together with such passion and determination.

“Last night proved what we already knew: We are stronger together. Seeing so many new and familiar faces united to protect our river walk and our local wildlife was truly powerful.

“From the discussions we had and the questions you asked, it’s clear that our community is more committed than ever to stopping this proposed residential development.

“A massive thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts, asked important questions, and stood up for what we believe in. Every voice matters, and last night, our voices were loud and clear.

“Your support and energy will be crucial as we continue to fight to preserve our green spaces and protect our wildlife, and push back against this disruptive, destructive build.

“Keep an eye on this page for the next steps and how you can get involved.

“Together, we will take a stand!

“Stop The Build!”

The campaign moves into a new phase

While the Planning Committee vote marked a significant moment in the process, it was not the final chapter in the story.

The next stage of the planning process will involve detailed reserved matters applications, where issues such as design, landscaping, drainage, access arrangements and environmental mitigation measures will come under further scrutiny.

For supporters of the Stop The Build campaign, the message emerging from Thursday night’s meeting was clear: despite the outline approval, many local residents and users of the Braid River Walk remain determined to continue making their voices heard as the development process moves forward.