Environmental impact statements for what would be one of the largest housing developments ever proposed in Newtownards have been released for public inspection as the planning process advances. The reports, available at Newtownards Library and on the Ards and North Down Borough Council website, cover proposals for up to 768 new homes on the eastern edge of the town.

The site is bounded by Ballyreagh Road, Bowtown Road and Movilla Road. The scheme consists of three linked applications. The largest, submitted by Fraser Homes, seeks full permission for up to 675 residential units including detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, apartments and older people’s accommodation. It also includes a mixed-use centre with retail, health and childcare facilities, a park, play area, multi-use games area, greenways and cycle routes.

A second application outlines a further 93 homes together with drainage works, public open space and the first phase of a greenway connecting Bowtown Road to Movilla Road. A third application covers a new mains foul sewer and associated infrastructure, running from the existing Rivenwood development on Movilla Road to Bowtown Road.

The proposals arrive amid persistent concerns about wastewater capacity in Newtownards and the wider area. Newtownards councillor Richard Smart was part of a council delegation that recently met Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to push for investment in ageing wastewater systems, which he said are constraining housing growth and economic development. He acknowledged the inclusion of new wastewater infrastructure within the proposal but stressed it would not solve the broader capacity shortages across the town and surrounding districts. The campaign for essential upgrades in Newtownards, Comber and Donaghadee must continue, he said, to secure the jobs and homes the area needs.

The applications remain under consideration by council planning officials.