Ards and North Down Borough Council's planning committee approved permission for a 3G football pitch in Portavogie on Tuesday evening. The project replaces the village's grass pitch with an all-weather surface and upgraded facilities.

Councillor Robert Adair called the approval a result of determination that overcame objections from NI Water and DfI. A prior application granted in 2018 lapsed. The new permission followed six years of addressing those objections.

Adair said the council must advance the project to avoid further delays. Next steps include an updated business case and land acquisition.

Councillor Joe Boyle, SDLP member and chairperson of the Ards and North Down Sports Forum, welcomed the decision after a lengthy process. He noted remaining steps like land purchase and cost assessments.

Boyle praised council officers and planners for their work in securing approval. He highlighted the need for facilities in the geographically isolated Ards peninsula.

Boyle also called for progress on a separate 3G facility in Portaferry for GAA and other activities, which would be the council's first such provision in the borough.