Council officers in Ards and North Down have recommended approval for plans to build an 81-space car park on a seafront green area in Bangor, County Down. The proposal forms part of the £14m Marine Gardens development led by Bangor Marine.

Developers seek to sub-lease the land from the council, which holds a lease from the Crown Estate, for a 125-year term. They plan to construct the £1m car park and a £1m upgraded play park, with the play park remaining under council control.

Bangor Marine stated the car park makes the scheme viable after previous plans with smaller facilities resulted in losses that delayed work. Officers found no viable alternative sites or configurations for the car park.

The developer will maintain the car park and keep most income, projected at £250,000 annually, while the council expects around 5% of revenue. A new sub-lease with the Crown Estate requires negotiation.

Councillors discussed the changes at their monthly meeting in Bangor Castle. Local residents protested the loss of green space. Approval would lead to a deed of variation for final council sign-off if Crown Estate issues resolve.