A controversial waterfront development site next to Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor has been sold.
The former car dealership, once the site of the Great Northern Hotel, is subject of a proposal for a nursing home and 41 apartments, had been listed for just over £2 million last summer.
Planning permission was granted to high profile property developer Gary McCausland’s Richland Group in 2017 following an eight year planning process.
The former TV presenter later put the 2.5 acre site on the market amid an unsuccessful bid to overturn the decision to refuse permission for an updated luxury residential development without a nursing home.
That proposal, which was rejected by the Planning Appeals Commission, would have resulted in a dozen houses and 33 apartments built instead of the nursing home and apartments.
The location of the development site, which lies next to the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, prompted opposition by the Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment (RARE) campaign group.
Estate agency Simon Brien confirmed the Shore Road site, which overlooks Carlingford Lough, has now been sold, describing it as “one of the most significant waterfront development opportunities to come to the market in recent years”.
Announcing the completion of the deal on social media, the property firm said: “With strong demand for new residential development in the area, this sale represents a positive outcome for all parties involved and marks an important step forward for the future regeneration.”
The sale was welcomed by Mr McCausland.
Originally from Dungannon, the property entrepreneur entered the public eye after launching a TV career, presenting property programmes for Channel 5, BBC and Granada.
He now divides his time between Belfast and London with his new flexible office venture Hubflow.
