Plans to build a housing estate on the site of the Battle of the Boyne have sparked anger among local residents.

Permission to build the 745 houses on the southern shore of the battlefield site at Old-bridge has been appealed on the grounds that the development will have a "drastic impact" on the key historic site.

The Highlands Residents' Association have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála. Secretary of the Association Peter Ryan said: "This was the last crossing of the Boyne and was the pivotal turning point of the battle. From here the mounted troops charged the Joacobite forces who retreated to the close-by Hill of Donore."

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The density of the housing scheme also came under fire, branded by the Association as "totally unjustified", considering the capacity of the town centre and its limited amenities. Concerns were also raised regarding the protected Willow woodland islands and the adjacent Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site.

The appeal is to be decided next month.

(VB/JM)