North Down Council has agreed to withdraw the sale of three areas of land in the district.

The three main political parties jointly recommended sites at Clandeboye Road, Bangor; Fort Road, Helen's Bay and Old Quay Road, Holywood be removed from the market.

The decision to test the market value of these properties was made in December 2008, as part of council's annual rate setting process.

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At that time, councillors were concerned about the potential for a steep rise in North Down's rates and identified land sales as one option for consideration in an effort to reduce the burden on local ratepayers, said a council spokesman.

"While rate rises remain a concern for council, an ongoing review of capital spending, combined with careful revenue savings, has reduced the need to raise funds through sale of land," said the official.

"In light of this and conscious of public opposition to the proposed sales, especially in respect of Old Quay Road in Holywood, the party leaders have recommended this withdrawal, which will go before full Council for ratification at the end of the month," he added.

(PR/BMcC)