historic Grey Point Fort in Helen’s Bay is to have trees coppiced every five years to clear views of Belfast Lough

The historic monument’s management plan to make sure that the original scope of the early 21st Century guns was confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots, in an answer to a written assembly question.

North Down MLA, Alex Easton queried whether trees were to be cut down as part of the new development for the Fort.

The minister said: “Any future development or conservation work by my department at Grey Point Fort will be guided by the Conservation Management Plan for the site which is currently being finalised following a public consultation event.”

Built and operational from 1907 to 1956 it was designed, together with another fort in Kilroot, it was part of Belfast’s coastal defences.

Currently temporarily closed to allow for a series of works, Grey Point Fort, has two deactivated guns and military museum, overlooking the south shores of the lough.

“The plan advises that tree surveys should be carried out for the site every five years, considering both plant health and public safety, with resulting actions implemented,” said Mr Poots.

“The Conservation Management Plan recommends that, subject to the necessary statutory consents, trees to the north of the Fort should be reduced in height to reinstate the historic views of Belfast Lough and should be re-coppiced on a five yearly basis.”

The fort is one of the best-preserved early 20th century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles and contains a hands-on military museum. It also hosts a number of special commemorative events during the year.

The fort was completed in 1907 with at its heart two massive six-inch diameter guns, each measuring 23 feet long, which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough.

During the Great War troops from Kitchener’s Army were stationed at it, and in the Second World War Territorial soldiers manned the guns.

At the start of the cold war mobile radar was added, before Grey Point Fort was decommissioned in 1956.

When re-opened, visitors can also see the original observation post and three searchlight positions. Volunteers have created a museum of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weaponry.