A planning application for a caravan park on lands close to 27 Closkelt Road, Ballyward, has been withdrawn.
The applicant wanted to turn agricultural land into a camping/caravan site that would have provided accommodation from March to October.
Plans also included the erection of two reception buildings, to include washrooms, kitchens, laundry,reception/office and a classroom for all-year education and conservation events, external low-level lighting, landscaping, holding tanks and all associated site works.
The applicant anticipated in their planning application that the site would attract an average of around 100 daily visitors.
The presence of red kites was independently confirmed in a Biodiversity Checklist & Preliminary Ecological Assessment submitted as part of the application.
The report notes: “A good variety of birds were noted during the site survey. These were either heard calling or observed within the hedgerow vegetation and areas of scrub.
“Buzzards, red kites, hooded crows and ravens were all noted circling over the north-eastern section of the site.”
An anonymous objector had written to Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council to express concerns, to do with road capacity and the welfare of the red kites.
Part of the objector’s letter reads as follows: “I fully understand the willingness to enhance the area with walks and tree planting and red kite feeding, but I do believe that a caravan park is a step too far.
“I do not see how it would benefit the ecology of the area in question. Red kites are not a domestic bird and I do believe it would cause them to move further afield, despite being fed every day.
“I see no issue with the public coming out to see, enjoy or even study such birds, but I do not see any benefit for them or their future wellbeing by having a caravan park right within their range.”
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