Questions have been raised by a number of walkers, who enjoy following their traditional route along the coastal path between Orlock and Groomsport, about their continued access to it.
The walkers questioned the future of their right of way, particularly during inclement weather or at full tide, in the wake of legitimate shorefront development at neighbouring Seahaven Park Homes.
However, the park's operators sought to allay their fears by telling the group that, if they encountered any difficulties, they could complete their journey along a signposted route through the park itself.
The issue was initially raised at the September meeting of the council's leisure and community services committee by the DUP's Peter Martin, who said he had been addressing it for five months.
Now that committee has backed a report which will assert in legislation a significant stretch of the path between Groomsport and Orlock as a public right of way.
Welcoming Tuesday's decision Mr Martin said, "I'm very glad to see the council live up to its legislative duty to 'assert, protect and keep open any public right of way' so that future generations can enjoy our beautiful coastline.
"This decision still needs to be ratified by the full council at the end of the month but I feel positive that the right outcome will be achieved. I know this is welcomed by all who value our coastline and especially those who avail of its wonderful paths to walk along."
Mr Martin said the council's decision had been the culmination of a year long campaign by the walkers to have the public right of way in Groomsport protected.
He added, "I have been working with members of walking groups regarding the issues of both over-development in Groomsport and public rights of way.
"I promised them I would do all I could to further protect the rights of individuals to use our coastal path. This is in light of the over-development between Groomsport and Orlock.
"This week the leisure committee has passed a report which will assert in legislation a significant stretch of path between Groomsport and Orlock as a public right of way.
"This natural heritage, which we are so blessed with in North Down, should rightfully be protected. This is in conjunction with the offer from Lifestyle Homes to allow walkers access to an alternative path through their park, should they wish to avail of it."
Speaking before Tuesday's decision was made Mr Martin explained that what he described as the 'massive development' and 'infilling' at the Seahaven Park was now so extensive that it extended 'practically right to the sea'.
He said there had been various legal proceedings in relation to this and all of them had concluded that the development was completely above board.
However, Mr Martin said the small path which was used by the walkers had to be protected.
He said the park's owners had now agreed to let the walkers come up through the park when 'bad weather' prevented them from continuing along the shorefront.