Elected representatives at the November meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Planning Committee allowed for a housing development of forty units consisting of fourteen detached, twenty two semi-detached and four apartments, car ports, and associated landscaping.

The site is at the former builders yard at the old 'Ballygowan House'. The site layout was amended in October 2022 and the units reduced from 41 to 40. Council planning officers recommended the application for approval. Six separate objections were received by the council regarding the original design and layout.  The plans will only go ahead if suitable sewage and water supply can be found says NI Water.

Sausage roll thief, Morgan Murray (25) pleaded guilty to the theft of 5 sausage rolls from the 'Garage'(Spar) in Ballygowan on two separate incidences, losing the shop a total of £5.30. He appeared in court where he claimed to have had "mental health problems" but was "well at present".  Judge Mark Hamill branded the case "Great Sausage Roll Heist and the offender recieved a 12-month conditional charge.