The application site comprises an irregular shape plot of land measuring approximately 51.63ha located between Saul Road to the north and Ballyhornan Road to the south. The site has been zoned for housing (DK07) and open space (DK22) within the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015. 

The site is located to the northeast of Downpatrick. Lands to the north of the site comprise Ardfern residential development, with St Patrick’s Golf Club and Brackenridge residential development abutting lands directly to the west and agricultural fields located beyond the eastern and southern boundaries. 

Ards and Down Area Plan 2015 

The site and proposal will be assessed against a policy framework which includes the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) 2035; Ards and Down Area Plan 2015; and Strategic Planning Policy Statement. 

The site lies within the settlement limit of Downpatrick within the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015 and is located between Saul Road and Ballyhornan Road to the eastern side of Downpatrick. The site is zoned for housing under DK 07 and includes designation DK 22 proposed open space and recreation. A road proposal designation also traverses the site linking the Saul Road to the Ballyhornan Road.