Planning application
LA07/2026/0227/F
The site is a linear stretch of existing Public Right of Way with the following start and finish points. Start: Ballyalton, Ballyhornan Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6RJ Finish: Ballystokes, Mearne Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7HZ
Proposal
Upgrade the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) natural trail surface with a new compacted gravel surface to improve the accessibility and sustainability of the trail for walking and occasional equestrian activity locally. The Programme for Government (PfG) Outdoor Recreation Indicator measures the percentage of households in Northern Ireland that have accessible natural space within 400 meters of their home, reflecting the importance of access to nature for health, wellbeing, community resilience and the environment. Whilst the existing PRoW provides a natural space within 400m of 96 households, it is inaccessible for most of the year due to wet and muddy surface conditions. The proposed works aim to make this trail accessible for most of the year by installing 1.7km of new compacted gravel trail as well as supporting trail infrastructure. This includes 1 new visitor counter to record and monitor use, replacement of 1 finger post and 2 waymarkers to aid navigation, and replacement of 5 wooden gates suitable for pedestrian and equestrian users.
As published by the council, reference LA07/2026/0227/F
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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26 Feb 2026
Received by Newry, Mourne and Down
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10 Mar 2026
Validated
Checked as complete and ready for consideration.
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29 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development. Extensions of time are common.
What happens while it is decided
The process from here
This application is with Newry, Mourne and Down for determination. The council publicises it, consults neighbours and technical bodies where required, and weighs the responses against local and national planning policy.
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development, though extensions of time are common. Comments carry most weight while the case is undecided, so check the council portal for the deadline if you want to respond.
About full applications applications
How this application type works
A full application seeks permission for a complete, detailed proposal in one go: siting, design, access and landscaping are all fixed at this stage. It is the standard route for new buildings, conversions and changes of use. The statutory target is eight weeks for smaller schemes and thirteen weeks for major development, though complex cases often take longer by agreement.
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