‘Save’ Whiteabbey glen petition signed by 400 people

The four-acre beauty spot at Glenavna, which the borough council says is adjacent to the Newtownabbey Way, has been earmarked for 23 new dwellings.

The land was sold at auction in 2018 for £63,000.

A petition organised by Whiteabbey Community Group opposing the proposed development adjacent to Glenavna Manor has been signed by approximately 400 people.

The glen is home to varieties of mature trees and wildlife including buzzards, squirrels, otters, kingfishers and bats which the group believes would be impacted.

Campaigner Caroline McKinley says the glen, which is more than 100 years old, is well-used by neighbouring families and others from outside the area who follow a path from Mossley Mill to the shore of Belfast Lough at Whiteabbey.

Local people, she added, have been clearing and tidying the popular walking and cycling route along the Threemilewater River during lockdown when she said the beauty spot was “buzzing”.

Caroline explained: “It is a highly used green space, used daily by walkers, cyclists, dog walkers and families exploring the ancient woods and river banks. It has become apparent how vital these green spaces are during the Covid-19 pandemic when people used the local glen for daily exercise.

“Local people have improved the area clearing paths and ‘fairy doors’ have appeared all along the glen which have proved popular with children.

“It is important for the health and well-being of local people to have access to their green spaces as it can reduce stress and improve sense of well-being by being close to nature.

“That is why Whiteabbey Community Group have launched a SavetheGlen campaign. “

Planning permission has been approved previously for 26 dwellings.

Meanwhile, the  property developer who has offered to provide a play park adjacent to the proposed new housing site, is to be asked by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to improve facilities at Abbey Glen play park instead.

The development proposal includes a fully-equipped children’s play park in order to “offset the loss of open space”.

However, the council was advised in a report by its director of operations that there are already three play parks in the area – the closest, at Abbey Glen, Jordanstown Lough Shore Park and Hazelbank.

“In view of the proximity of existing play parks, there is no need for a further

play park in the area, however, there is potential for the developer to be

asked to make an equivalent contribution to improve the facilities at Abbey

Glen play park,” the report said.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter