Alice O’Keeffe, head of books for The Bookseller and chairwoman of the books of the year, said the judges “championed” Ms Giuffre’s memoir, adding: “With this award we recognise the late author’s extraordinary courage and determination, supported by (publisher) Doubleday’s sensitive campaign. #BelieveHer.”

Tucked away in Cumbria’s Lake District, the charming village has been named the UK’s fastest-growing travel hotspot for summer 2026 by TripAdvisor, and it’s easy to see why

The Lake District is a much-cherished national park that attracts thousands of visitors year after year, yet one of its more modest villages has largely flown under the radar for many of today’s travellers.

Despite being steeped in history and culture, Grasmere rarely features on the average tourist’s bucket list — certainly less so than the likes of Cornwall, Devon, or popular UK city breaks. Indeed, when it comes to the district’s 16 major lakes, Windermere remains the most visited and well-known, followed by Ullswater and Derwentwater.

Yet the quaint village appears to be enjoying something of a renaissance. TripAdvisor’s Summer Travel Index for 2026 has revealed the destinations proving most popular among British travellers next summer — and the charming village of Grasmere has been crowned the fastest-growing.

Nestled within Cumbria at the heart of the Lake District, this picture-postcard village has a great deal to offer those seeking a break immersed in nature, with just the right number of spots to sit back and recharge.

The founder of Lonely Planet described the village as an “absolutely beautiful corner of the world” — a sentiment apparently shared by many, including the celebrated poet William Wordsworth.

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He lived peacefully in Grasmere from 1799 to 1813, at Dove Cottage, alongside his well-known sister, Dorothy. It was here that the great writer drew inspiration for and penned some of his most celebrated works, famously describing Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.

The Lake

The lake itself sits beside the village that shares its name, ranking among the smaller stretches of water in the Lake District. Stretching just over a mile in length, it offers small rowing boats along its banks, allowing visitors to venture out and take in the lake from its very centre.

At the heart of the lake lies a tiny island, where it is believed Wordsworth would enjoy picnics. Now under private ownership and closed to the public, it nevertheless adds a rather charming touch to the already tranquil setting.

A recent visitor shared on Tripadvisor: “We added a little stroll along Lake Grasmere from Rydal water. Pretty easy walk, and mostly flat. Scenery was beautiful, water nice and calm and our dog looked a little swim in it.”

Another wrote: “I live in Western Australia now, but this is by far the most beautiful place I have ever swam. It’s a half mile walk from White Moss Car Park, and very worth it. The lake is calm and flat, so great for kids, however, gets deep very quickly. The water is crystal clear, and even in shallow water, fish are present.”

Places to eat and drink

Tucked within the village are a variety of charming and welcoming establishments, ranging from traditionally English pubs to trendy cafés and restaurants. For those seeking a more classic experience and somewhere to unwind with a cup of tea, Baldry’s Tea Room is the perfect choice.

Situated on Red Lion Square, the delightful spot is defined by its vintage décor and straightforward menu of scones, cakes, soups and sandwiches. One diner said: “If you get to visit Grasmere then you just have to visit Baldrys. The staff are very polite and helpful, food is beyond scrumptious and the place is very clean. 10/10 would visit again.”

For a more contemporary café experience, Freda and Ray dishes up wonderful coffee and a hearty brunch to set you up for a full day of exploring the national park. Equally, visitors have heaped praise on Lucia’s Coffee + Bakehouse, hailing it as a “fabulous” destination in Grasmere.

Yet the village’s passion for food doesn’t stop there – it’s also the birthplace of its own beloved creation: Grasmere gingerbread. This distinctive delicacy sits somewhere between a biscuit and a cake, delivering a spicy-sweet medley of flavours that draws visitors from far and wide.

Originally created in 1854 by Sarah Nelson, the time-honoured recipe is still sold at The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, a compact building that once served as the village school where Wordsworth taught.

Whether you’re enticed by the culinary offerings, its literary heritage or the breathtaking natural beauty enveloping Grasmere, this Cumbrian village has far more depth than first impressions might suggest.

President Donald Trump nominated Cameron Hamilton Monday to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a notable comeback for the former Navy SEAL who was fired from his role as FEMA’s temporary leader last year after he defended its existence.

His nomination comes as the Trump administration has increasingly signaled it is backing away from promises to dismantle FEMA, an agency that has faced withering criticism by the president. The nomination of Hamilton, who argued abolishing FEMA was not in the country’s best interests, is the latest indication of that change.

If confirmed, Hamilton would be the principal adviser to Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on emergency management and FEMA’s first permanent administrator in Trump’s second term. The agency has gone through three temporary leaders, including Hamilton’s brief tenure from January to May 2025.

He would take over an embattled agency still reeling from Kristi Noem’s turbulent leadership of the Department of Homeland Security, of which FEMA is part. FEMA’s workforce has been worn down by mass staff departures, policies that hamstrung operations and a 75-day-long DHS shutdown that ended April 30.

Hamilton will need to ensure the agency is prepared for summer disaster season, just weeks away, while answering to Trump, who is likely to expect major reforms after a council he appointed recommended sweeping changes last Friday.

“Now is the opportunity to stabilize FEMA,” said Michael Coen, the agency’s chief of staff in the Obama and Biden administrations.

Fired after defending FEMA

Hamilton, who had never been a state or local emergency management director and who had publicly criticized FEMA in the past, was a controversial choice when Trump named him temporary leader in January 2025, just days before the president floated the idea of “getting rid” of FEMA.

His rupture with DHS officials began as he defended a federal role in supporting disaster-impacted states, tribes and territories.

“Once the conversation shifted to, ‘Now we’re going to abolish,’ I immediately expressed concern,” he said last September on the “Disaster Tough” podcast with John Scardena, a former FEMA incident management team leader.

DHS officials even subjected him to a polygraph test, accusing him and other officials of leaking details of a private meeting. He passed, but said he knew his dismissal was inevitable.

At a May 7 appearance before a House Appropriations subcommittee, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, asked Hamilton if he believed FEMA should be abolished.

“I do not believe it is in the best interest of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” he replied. The next day, he was fired.

Hamilton will have to rebuild trust

Defending FEMA despite knowing it would likely cost him his job garnered respect and trust among people whose job it is to lead communities through crisis, said Scardena, now president of the consultancy Doberman Emergency Management Group, which trains emergency managers.

“He won myself over and I think a lot of people by what he did,” Scardena said.

But multiple current FEMA employees who requested anonymity for fear of retribution for speaking publicly told The Associated Press they had concerns over some of the actions taken under Hamilton.

In 2024, Hamilton shared posts on X promoting misinformation about FEMA spending during Hurricane Helene.

During his temporary leadership, FEMA ceased door-to-door canvassing to reach survivors after disasters, and canceled a multibillion-dollar resilience grant program, since restored by a federal judge. The Department of Government Efficiency gained access to internal FEMA networks containing survivors’ private information. FEMA staff were fired for fulfilling a reimbursement payment to New York City for housing undocumented immigrants as part of FEMA’s Shelter and Services program.

Hamilton has said he believes FEMA needs major reform. He has said that he wants FEMA to move faster, that the agency is saddled with responsibilities he sees as outside its remit, and that some states have become too dependent on the agency. A Trump-appointed council last week urged sweeping changes to FEMA, which would require congressional action.

“I think he’s going to need to rebuild trust across the agency,” said Deanne Criswell, FEMA administrator under former President Joe Biden, adding that she believes Hamilton cares about FEMA and she appreciated his outreach to emergency management directors and former officials during and after his tenure.

Senate confirmation process could raise questions of experience

Hamilton could face pushback in the Senate confirmation process over never having led an emergency management agency, a common stepping stone to becoming administrator of an agency with over 21,000 employees.

Federal law requires the FEMA administrator to have “a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of emergency management and homeland security” and at least five years of “executive leadership and management experience.”

Hamilton trained as a Navy hospital corpsman before spending a decade as a Navy SEAL on SEAL Team Eight. He then became a U.S. State Department emergency management specialist handling overseas crisis response, then directed emergency medical services at DHS.

Anthony Pollio, 33, had been on a solo hike during a two-week trip when he suddenly disappeared in Glacier National Park, Montana, where it is said a bear attacked him

A “fearless” hiker left his dad a heartbreaking voicemail just moments before he was attacked by a bear.

Anthony Pollio, 33, had been on a solo hike during a two-week holiday when he suddenly vanished without a trace. The experienced athlete had rang his father while exploring a mountain trail, telling him he loved him.

But days later, search crews discovered his body in a remote, wooded area at Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. Authorities there understand Anthony was mauled by a bear during a hike. The tourist, a university graduate, had “communicated plans” to complete a famous route, hoping to reach the Mount Brown Fire Lookout.

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Rangers with the National Park Service and police officers launched an operation to find Anthony after relatives reported him missing. Officials subsequently found his body approximately 50ft off the Mount Brown Trail in a densely wooded area with fallen timber.

In a statement, Glacier National Park said: “The sequence of events leading to the bear encounter remains under investigation; however, evidence suggests that this was a surprise encounter.”

The park further noted that Pollio’s injuries were “consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter”. The trail has since been temporarily closed while the investigation remains ongoing.

Pollio’s devastated father, Arthur, later told Florida outlets that his son had left him a voicemail while out hiking. According to NBC6 and the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Pollio told his dad he loved him while describing the mountain trail he was exploring.

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Arthur also told local outlet WPLG Local 10 that his son was “a fearless man” and a seasoned outdoorsman. Family members believe Pollio may have come across a grizzly bear while making his way down the trail.

Authorities reportedly discovered bear spray amongst his belongings. Pollio, a graduate of the University of Central Florida, had visited numerous national parks and was described by those close to him as passionate about animals and outdoor adventure.

According to local reports, he worked as a service adviser in Florida and volunteered as a church deacon. The fatal attack is thought to be the first deadly bear encounter in Glacier National Park since 1998.

It comes after a bear attack on Monday in Yellowstone National Park left two hikers injured. Hiker Craig Lerman recorded video of one of the injured hikers, who was lying on the ground, reportedly with facial injuries, wearing a bloodied shirt. It was the first time a bear has injured someone in Yellowstone National Park this year, the park service said.

A simple change to how you make your bacon sandwiches can transform the taste

Few things can rival the bacon sandwich as a timeless breakfast and lunch staple. There’s little that beats sinking your teeth into crispy bacon nestled between thick slices of crusty white bread.

Add a dollop of tomato or brown sauce to your liking and enjoy the simple yet indulgent classic. That said, there’s a remarkably simple way to elevate your bacon sandwich.

If you’re keen to upgrade your bacon butty without too much fuss, this method is well worth a try. Chef Lesley Waters claims her bacon sandwich is an “instant hangover cure”.

She fries her bacon for three minutes on each side, or until golden and crisp. Lesley then butters her bread before layering up the bacon and sauce.

Her extra step is to return the assembled sandwich to the frying pan over a medium heat. For those making multiple sandwiches, Lesley suggests working in batches, reports the Mirror.

She toasts her bacon sandwiches in the pan for two to three minutes on each side until golden. For an even more decadent treat, Lesley takes a halved garlic clove and rubs it across both sides of the sandwich.

This straightforward technique of pan-toasting the sandwich intensifies the flavour as the bread soaks up the bacon juices, while also delivering a satisfying crunch.

Lesley shared her method on BBC Good Food, where it has garnered five-star reviews from those who’ve given it a go.

One reviewer remarked: “So simple, yet delicious!” While another enthused: “Who thought you could improve on the humble bacon sandwich?? genius.” Another person remarked: “Best bacon butties by far.” A fourth added: “Very tasty!”

How to make Lesley’s bacon sandwich

Ingredients

• Six rashes, rindless back bacon
• White country loaf
• Butter for spreading
• Three tbsp tomato chutney
• A large garlic clove, cut in half

Method

Heat a griddle or frying pan. Fry the bacon for three minutes on each side, or until it turns golden and becomes crispy.

Slice six generous pieces from the loaf and butter one side of each piece. Spread the chutney across three slices. Place two rashers of bacon on the three slices. Cover with the remaining bread slices and press firmly together.

Place the sandwiches in the pan over a moderate heat. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until they become golden brown.

Take out of the pan and rub both sides with the garlic clove. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve.

The boy was standing on a platform at a railway station when his backpack became tangled between carriages – he was dragged several metres and then trapped underneath it in front fellow students

A boy is fighting for his life after being dragged several metres by a train in a freak incident.

The Year 7 student was standing on a platform at a railway station in North Melbourne, Australia on Monday, May 11 at around 4pm when his backpack became tangled between carriages.

Australian news broadcaster Seven News reported that the boy was trying to retrieve his phone. It is understood the boy was hit by the train, dragged several metres and then trapped underneath it in front of a crowd of horrified commuters, including students from the boy’s school.

Fire and Rescue Victoria used a hydraulic jack to lift the train and free the trapped boy, who reportedly sustained serious lower body injuries.

It has been reported that the extrication took between 45 minutes and an hour.

He was treated by eight paramedics before being rushed to Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition under “lights and sirens” – the most urgent response for emergency services.

The boy will receive treatment for the severe injuries to his lower legs. Ambulance Victoria described as an incredibly traumatic scene.

Paramedic Alex Hemsley said: “Very traumatic scene for all involved.”

“They did a fantastic job. They did everything as quickly as they could have done, provided the highest-level care to this young person in potentially one of the most traumatic days of their lives,” she said.

First responders are being supported by counselling services.

The principal of the boy’s school, St Aloysius College, sent an email to students and parents in the after the incident to offer support.

“At approximately 4pm today, we received reports that one of our Year 7 students was involved in an accident at North Melbourne Train Station,” the principal wrote.

“At this stage, we have very few specific details regarding the circumstances or the student’s current condition.”

“Events like this can be deeply unsettling for our young people. Please be mindful of your child’s wellbeing this evening.”

Paramedics are hopeful of a full recovery, Seven News reported.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday set the stage for Alabama to eliminate one of two largely Black congressional districts before this year’s midterm elections, creating an opening for Republicans to gain an additional U.S. House seat in a partisan battle for control of the closely divided chamber.

The decision follows a Supreme Court ruling in April that struck down a majority-Black U.S. House district in Louisiana as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, significantly weakening a provision of the federal Voting Rights Act.

Alabama officials had pointed to the Louisiana case as reason for the Supreme Court to end a judicial order to use a court-imposed House map until after the 2030 census. The high court on Monday overturned that order and directed a lower court to reconsider the case in light of the Louisiana decision. That could free the state to instead use a map approved in 2023 by the Republican-led legislature that includes only one district where Black residents comprise a majority.

Anticipating a court reversal, Alabama officials recently enacted a law allowing it to void the results of a May 19 primary for some congressional districts and instead hold a new primary under the revised district boundaries. Alabama had asked for an expedited decision ahead of the primary.

Alabama Republicans praised the decision.

“Today, the Supreme Court vindicated the state’s long-held position. Now, the power to draw Alabama’s maps goes back to the people’s elected representatives. That’s our Legislature,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a video statement. Marshall said his job was “to put the legislature in the best possible legal position to draw a congressional map that favors Republicans seven-to-zero.” He concluded with the statement, “Stay tuned.”

Republican House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter called the decision “a massive victory not just for Alabama, but for conservatives across the country.”

In a dissent to Monday’s brief ruling, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the Louisiana case had reversed only one of the grounds upon which the Alabama case had been decided. Although the Voting Rights Act violation is gone, Sotomayor said a lower court could still find that Alabama had intentionally discriminated against Black voters in violation of the 14th Amendment.

The decision was a setback for Black residents and groups that had waged a legal fight for several years to get a second Alabama congressional district where Black voters had an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.

“We are witnessing a return to Jim Crow. And anybody who is alarmed by these developments — as everybody should be — better be making a plan to vote in November to put an end to this madness while we still can,” NAACP National President Derrick Johnson said in a statement.

Deuel Ross, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney who argued the Alabama case, said, “We will consider all of our options to fight to protect the rights of these voters and keep the court ordered map in place.”

Shalela Dowdy, a plaintiff in the Alabama redistricting case, said she was disappointed in the decision.

“For me, I feel like this is a step backwards towards the Jim Crow era for congressional representation. The state is not going to stop here,” Dowdy said, predicting Alabama will eventually go after the remaining district.

Primaries are just a week away

The decision comes a week ahead of the May 19 primaries, setting up a potentially confusing scenario for voters. Alabama lawmakers last week approved legislation to allow special primaries in four impacted congressional districts if the state is able to switch maps. The special elections would be set by the governor.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen called the decision a “historic win for Alabama voters.” Allen said the May 19 primaries will proceed as scheduled and his office will remain in close contact with the governor’s office “as this situation continues developing.”

The change would give Republicans a chance to reclaim the district now represented by Rep. Shomari Figures, a Democrat. Figures was elected in 2024 under the court-ordered map. His election gave the state — where Black residents comprise more than one quarter of the population — two Black representatives in its congressional delegation for the first time in history.

Figures called the Supreme Court action an “incredibly unfortunate decision” that “sets the stage for Alabama to go back to the 1950s and ‘60s in terms of Black political representation in the state.”

Alabama is one of several states trying to change their congressional district boundaries before the November elections as part of a nationwide redistricting battle being won, so far, by Republicans.

Voting districts typically are redrawn once a decade, immediately after a census, to account for population changes. But President Donald Trump urged Texas Republicans last year to redraw congressional districts to their advantage in a bid to hold onto a narrow House majority in the midterm elections.

Democrats in California countered with their own redistricting. And numerous Republican-led states have followed. The high court’s Louisiana ruling provided fuel for Republicans to intensify their redistricting efforts.

So far, Republicans think they could win as many as 14 additional seats in the November elections from new districts enacted in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida and Tennessee. Democrats think they could win up to six additional seats from new districts in California and Utah. But Democrats suffered a major setback when the Virginia Supreme Cour t overturned a voter-approved redistricting amendment that could have yielded four more seats for the party.

___

Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri, and Chandler from Montgomery, Alabama.

The TV doctor addressed the widespread concern caused by the virus outbreak

Hantavirus has been commanding global media attention and has generated significant concern amongst those worried it might develop into the next pandemic-scale crisis. BBC’s Dr Xand shared his verdict on this possibility and pinpointed the single demographic he feels should genuinely be anxious about the situation.

The medical expert featured on Morning Live on 11th May, voicing his desire that audiences would gain “reassurance” from his appearance, saying: “Viruses make people nervous, but actually this is not a thing that we should be concerned about.”

He stressed: “The main thing to say about hantavirus is that this, it’s not like Covid.”

Dr Xand explained that the only people he believes “should be concerned” are the cruise liner travellers who may have been in sufficiently close contact with those infected to have contracted the virus themselves.

Dr Xand addressed some comments particularly to the ship passengers currently self-isolating in the UK: “If they are watching telly at the moment we should say; we’re thinking of you, this has been very difficult for you. It is great that you’re home and we hope you’re feeling good.”

The TV doctor made a plea to anyone who might be located near or within the hospital where the passengers are quarantined: “These poor people have been on a boat. It’s been very traumatic, very nerve-wracking; they will have been very worried about catching what is potentially a deadly virus in the confines of a cruise ship.

“We shouldn’t (make them feel) contaminated or ostracised or anything. Of course, we’re taking precautionary measures, but it’s great that they’re home and they don’t pose a risk to us.”

The expert drew attention to the key difference between the two conditions, which lies in how they are transmitted. Covid was a highly contagious illness capable of spreading through brief encounters via airborne particles whenever an infected person breathed, spoke, coughed or sneezed.

Hantavirus, by contrast, is generally caught through contact with faeces, saliva or urine from infected rodents. The specific strain behind the outbreak on the luxury cruise ship has previously had documented cases of person-to-person transmission.

However, even in these rare instances of human-to-human spread, prolonged and close contact with the infected person during the early stages of the illness was required for the virus to be passed on. It was most commonly seen amongst those living in the same household or intimate partners.

Dr Xand pointed out another significant difference between this outbreak and the emergence of Covid: “(Hantavirus) not a brand new virus, it hasn’t suddenly emerged out of somewhere.” While medical professionals have understood hantavirus for many years, there remains no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available, according to the UKHSA.

Instead, treatment focuses on symptom management tailored to each individual patient. This can include hospitalisation and respiratory support. Prompt medical attention can improve a patient’s outlook, however diagnosis can be difficult as early hantavirus symptoms resemble typical flu, which may cause people to dismiss crucial early indicators when they should be pursuing medical care.

Kirsty took on the pressure cooker that is the Masterchef kitchen, nailing the quarter final with fantastic marks from judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh despite a shaky start.

There were six hopefuls, but it was Kirsty who was named the outstanding chef of the night.

On last night’s episode, the chefs had to create two dishes – the first had to be based around fruit, with Kirsty cooking up an Eve’s pudding with spiced cinnamon and ginger custard.

“Your sponge is cooked quite nicely and there’s a lovely sugary custard bit on the bottom, and the custard has a real elegant touch of the spice,” said judge Anna Haugh.

“But for a fruit invention test we need more fruit Kirsty! Where’s the pear and where’s the apple?”

Fellow judge Grace Dent agreed: “The reason you’re in this group of six is because you are good and you do have potential – stop playing it safe and give us everything!”

Kirsty reflected: “I do wish that I’d shown them more today.

“I didn’t push myself today – putting a little fruit salad at the side to give it a little more visual appeal wasn’t nearly enough, and I knew that really.”

But Kirsty was not the only one who struggled on the fruit test, with the other five chefs failing to make an impression on the judges.

“There was no real shining star from that challenge,” said judge Haugh.

For the next challenge, the judges were joined by a guest judge – the famous food critic and broadcaster Leyla Kazim.

MasterChef (Image: BBC/Shine TV)

Leyla offered the episode’s second challenge – to construct a dish based around an ingredient the chefs hated at kids.

This is where Kirsty really began to shine, choosing burgers as her hated childhood dish.

Her burger patties were stuffed with gouda and seasoned with egg, mustard Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.

She then braised beef ribs and pressure-cooked them alongside all the ingredients from a Bloody Mary – tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka.

The burgers were served with shoestring fries, garlic mayo, and a Bloody Mary cocktail.

“The burger is so well seasoned and succulent,” said judge Kazim.

“It’s got this great acidity to it, full of flavour, the meat is soft – like, give me a whole bowl of it!

“It’s such a delicious interpretation of the thing you used to hate.

“It’s really lovely, well done!”

Judge Haugh agreed: “You’ve got it just right with the quantity of cheese – it’s not too much cheese.

“Your bacon and chilli and tomato chutney is really really nice.

” You have absolutely shown us that you really want to stay in the competition – well done!”

Judge Dent was concerned that the fries were too salty and that the garlic mayo had too much garlic but had high praise for the burger.

“I am ecstatic about this beef short rib,” she said, “this is a great dish!”

Kirsty was singled out for specific praise from the judges, who called her the outstanding chef of the quarter final.

Kirsty will appear next week for knockout week, where she will be cooking in a professional kitchen for the first time.

“I am very confident there would be no damage to the wall.”

Plans for a Royal Hillsborough house have raised concerns over the protection of the King’s Castle wall.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee agreed this week to defer its decision for an on site inspection to take place.

The house designs for the backyard area of Main Street (17-19) had been recommended for refusal by planning officers, but the application was called in for review.

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Committee chairperson James Tinsley said:”How confident would you be of no damage caused to the wall?”

An application spokesperson said:”There are clearly other backyard developments in Hillsborough including a children’s play park and modern housing developments.

“I am very confident there would be no damage to the wall.

“We would be willing to apply for listed consent before construction.”

Hillsborough Castle is the official Northern Ireland residence for the British Monarchy with a boundary wall around an area in the village required to be protected due to its historic nature.

The strong local links to the Crown were shown with a Royal Gun Salute last week at the castle to mark the third anniversary of the coronation of King Charles III.

There have been 18 objections on the NI Planning Portal against the Main Street application. One objection stated: “If approved, this will set a serious, unwelcome precedent for Hillsborough Conservation Area” with claims of “a lot of Airbnbs on the street”.

However, the chamber heard from an application spokesperson that the Historic Environment Division (HED) has been “impressed with the sensitive and considered nature of the plans” for the former bakery site.

According to a council report “consent” was given for a separate application for the demolition of an existing bakery buildings to rear of 17-19 Main Street, Hillsborough in April 2025 for the same developer, ‘Bedside House Ltd’.

This was to allow for the renovation and extension to the existing houses, to provide three guest apartments, three guest houses and off-street parking, according to the council paper.

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Documents on the NI Planning Portal show communication with the ‘Historic Royal Palaces’, but that it has not been requested to consider the works on the latest application.

Though, it has confirmed the wall in question forms the boundary to the Hillsborough Castle Gardens.

Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said: “You suggested a site meeting to assess the boundaries of this rear development….this is a modern design for Hillsborough.”

The initial objections from the council centred around conservation concerns with many buildings in the village including the castle structures being listed.

A proposal by Downshire West A lliance Alderman Owen Gawith to defer the meeting for a site visit was supported by a majority vote.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the committee will view the Hillsborough site later this month.

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