Villagers take a first on regeneration path

Villagers take a first on regeneration path

25 July 2012 - by David Telford

DRAFT development plans have been unveiled for the regeneration of the Ballyhornan area.

At their core is a major upgrade of the crumbling roads and sewerage infrastructure, with community officials and residents hoping the Stormont Executive will make much-needed cash available to finance this work.

A number of government departments are reluctant to take responsibility for existing roads and sewers at the former Ministry of Defence base in the village until they are substantially improved.

But the development plan argues strongly that Ballyhornan needs to be recognised as a “special case” with these departments moving outside existing legislation to allow them to take responsibility for the much-needed upgrades.

Elsewhere, the plan suggests the creation of a new “village core” at the Lismore Road where there are proposals for a new petrol station. Other suggestions include improvements to footpaths and road junctions, new village signs, new road layouts at a number of housing estates including Killard Drive, upgraded street lighting, securing a broadband connection in the area, improving access to the beach, landscaping the main car park overlooking the beach and refurbishing existing public toilets.

The draft plan, which suggests areas earmarked for industrial development should be rezoned for potential social housing, have been on public display at the Ballyhornan Family Centre for over three weeks. Residents have until this Friday to make known their views before consultants start work on formulating an agreed final plan which will also detail costings.

Down Council has taken the lead in helping spearhead the development plan with one of its senior officials explaining the problem with producing a sustainable plan is that the Ballyhornan area covers several square miles.

Mr. Liam McLernon said residents are keen to see the former Ministry of Defence base at Bishopscourt “demilitarised” with the removal of a number of old buildings and security fencing.

“The area offers a lot of potential with its picturesque beach and one of

the key proposals is creat-ing a new village core. There is also potential for new social housing and holiday accommodation, but this can only happen once the roads and sewerage issues have been addressed,” he explained.

Mr. McLernon said various Stormont ministers have visited Ballyhornan over the years and are “well aware” of the many problems which need to be addressed.

“Plans are all very well, but money is needed to ensure their implementation. The development plan is viewed as a catalyst for future investment and everyone agrees Ballyhornan can develop its tourism potential,” he continued, explaining the village could make an application for financial assistance from the Stormont Social Investment Fund.

Mr. McLernon continued: “Local people have not been found wanting and have provided a new community centre and hope to soon provide a new 3G sports pitch.

“They will continue to work hard and are committed to the area, but improving the roads and sewerage network is beyond them. That’s why government intervention and assistance is essential to support and deliver the agreed final plan.”

Mr. McLernon said it’s hoped to start work on the final development plan at the end of next month or early September, with the project completed by the end of the year.

He added: “The final plan will be launched at Stormont to provide ministers and government departments with a glimpse of what can be achieved in Ballyhornan and to secure their backing for the regeneration of the area.”