'People power' is hitting back against the developers in Co Antrim.

Newtownabbey villagers are taking a stand against what they view as "inappropriate" plans to build apartments and houses in sleepy Ballyrobert - which lies between Glengormley and Ballyclare.

The campaigning residents feel that should three separate planning applications for housing get the go ahead, the character of the village would be destroyed.

This week estate agent-style signs, opposing the plans, were erected outside homes and the entrances to the village.

Instead of signs that say 'For Sale', the signs drove the point home with the slogan Ballyrobert is 'Not For Sale'

Ballyrobert has been at the centre of a planning row for the past two years. Some 695 objections have been lodged against the proposed developments and currently, Planning Service officials have earmarked all three schemes for approval.

Ian Patton, Chairman of the Ballyrobert Community Association, said: "Residents erecting these boards indicates the strength of feeling against these proposed developments. We have been fighting for over two years against the wholesale destruction of the village's character.

"We have had support from local elected representatives, yet their hands appear to be tied by current planning policies. The process needs to change to protect local character which is under threat from inappropriate and over-development."

Mr Patton said the community association would maintain its fight against the proposals.

He added: "We will continue until we have exhausted every avenue to object against these proposals."

At the March meeting of Newtownabbey Council's Planning Committee a vote was won to refer each of the applications to Planning Service's Management Board.

Ballyclare Councillor and DUP MLA, Paul Girvan spoke of the "widespread community opposition to the plans", though he had some opposition from a fellow councillor, who said he would like to see the applications passed.

(BMcC)