31-07-2025
Co Down woodland faces ‘irreversible' destruction as council backs housing plan
Concerns have been raised about a planning application for five detached dwellings on Tullynagardy Wood in Newtownards.
The area is protected by a tree preservation order and is listed on the Northern Ireland Ancient Woodland Inventory.
According to Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, it is under imminent threat despite opposition from residents, environmental organisations, and political representatives.
The planning application has been recommended for approval by Ards and Down Borough Council ahead of its planning committee meeting scheduled for August 5.
Local residents, conservationists, and campaigners have been arguing that the proposal poses an irreversible risk to a fragile ecosystem that cannot be replaced.
Paul Armstrong, public affairs manager at Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, said: 'Once woodlands like Tullynagardy are lost, their unique ecosystems and heritage are gone forever. We can plant new trees, but we can never recreate ancient or long-established woodland.
"It is vital not only that this planning application is refused, but also that legislation is strengthened to better protect our oldest and most significant trees and woodlands from ongoing threats like development.'
In total, 31 letters of objection have been submitted, including from Woodland Trust Northern Ireland and Ulster Wildlife.
A 2023 YouGov survey, commissioned by the Woodland Trust, found that 82% of respondents from across the UK viewed it as unacceptable to destroy ancient woodland for new development.
Local resident Terry Lyons said: 'As residents in this area, we are shocked and appalled to learn that our local council is proposing to approve the building of five luxury houses in the Tullynagardy Wood.
'This is a rare, precious, and irreplaceable ancient woodland. What sort of message, when facing such a crisis, will building houses in an ancient woodland send out to the people of Ards, north Down and beyond?'
The proposal has come under increased scrutiny given the council's declaration of a climate emergency in February 2019, recognising the urgent need to protect natural habitats and address biodiversity loss.
According to Woodland Trust, Northern Ireland is currently ranked among the most nature-depleted regions in the world, placing 12th out of 240 countries for biodiversity loss.
It said with woodland playing a critical role in climate adaptation, flood prevention, and species conservation, 'any further loss could significantly undermine environmental resilience'.
Woodland Trust is calling on councillors to reject the planning application and uphold the council's commitments to climate and biodiversity.
They also stress this case illustrates the broader need for stronger legal protections for Northern Ireland's oldest and most ecologically significant woodlands.
A spokesperson for Ards and Down Borough Council said: 'Planning permission has not been approved.
"A recommendation has been made and this application will be discussed at the next planning committee meeting on August 5. Planning committee members will make the final decision.'
