Write a commentThe Planning Appeals Commission has overturned a Previous Newry, Mourne and Down Council decision to refuse Planning at Lindsay Hill for a housing development and large bridge spanning over Lindsay Hill and onto St Clares Avenue.
Newry Mourne & Down Councillor, Liz Kimmins has expressed her deep disappointment “Following the planning appeals hearing on Thursday 29th March which I attended in support of the residents of St Clares Avenue and the greater High Street area who have objected to a planning application at Lindsay’s hill, I am extremely disappointed to learn that the decision by council has been overturned and full planning permission has been granted”.
She continued “The application was refused by council in July 2017 by the planning committee following strong objections from the community who are concerned that the bridge would not only decimate the heritage and history associated with Lindsay Hill, but will have a negative impact on the quality of life of the residents of St Clares Avenue.
Lindsay Hill was established in the 19th century and is one of the few sites in Newry which has been preserved, and the local community have strongly emphasised the need to protect this”.
The elected representative expressed disappointment at what she felt was the blatant disregard of residents concerns.
“I have consistently been lobbying on behalf of the community to highlight concerns regarding the election of this bridge as it was widely felt that it would also exacerbate anti-social behaviour in the area, providing a sheltered area which would encourage anti-social elements similar to those in the nearby underpass at Abbey Way.
It is deeply disappointing that the wishes of the residents, many of whom have lived here their whole lives, have been disregarded, without any attempts to find a compromise”.
Acknowledging the efforts of the community, the Newry Councillor added “I want to acknowledge the strong community campaign to uphold the council’s decision to refuse this application and to commend in particular a number of local residents who have worked extremely hard to protect Lindsay Hill and to protect this community’s interests.I will continue to work with all to ensure that these concerns are to the fore”
