850 Objections Spark Major Planning Hearing for UK's Largest Quarry Extension

A report presented to the council’s Planning Committee, held at Mossley Mill in Newtownabbey on Monday night, stated that the application "is the largest planning submission for mineral extraction presently being considered by the council."

The document indicated that up to now, council planners have received 846 objections from local residents.

These points have raised issues regarding public health and wellbeing; visual appearance; "mismatch with nearby land uses"; possible effects of blasting on the comfort and structural integrity of adjoining homes; potential consequences of dust and air contamination; likely impacts on animals in neighboring farmlands; noise disturbance; vehicle movements and increased traffic along with road conditions.

The report stated: "The application includes an environmental statement, and a broad spectrum of consultations has been conducted to evaluate the potential effects resulting from the development."

Consultations have been conducted with various entities such as the NIEA Land & Regulation Unit; Water Management Unit; Natural Environment Division; Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate; Department for Communities’ Historic Monuments Unit; NI Water; Department for Infrastructure’s Rivers division; Department for Infrastructure’s Roads branch; Department for the Economy’s Geological Survey unit; Public Health Agency; Health and Safety Executive; Shared Environmental Services; Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport, along with the local council’s environmental health section.

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Local councillors learned that an employee’s report along with a recommended action might be brought up for discussion at the upcoming Planning Committee gathering.

The report said: “A pre-determination hearing would provide an opportunity for members to examine, explore, probe the detail and issues pertaining to a particular application to help inform the decision-making process.

“This is especially relevant when a proposed development is particularly large or complex and presents a range of issues which are likely to impact upon a substantial portion of the council’s population.”

At the meeting, Barry Diamond, who leads the council's planning department, suggested an expansion of the current quarry by adding another 40 hectares.

He mentioned that a pre-determination meeting would enable councilors to question the consultant regarding several concerns and permit members of the public to "raise additional points."

Mr Diamond subsequently mentioned that it would be "wise" to conduct a pre-determination hearing where all consultees can attend. He proposed this meeting could occur around mid-June.

"People who are protesting against the local planning application may have different motives," he remarked. He proposed that it would be "essential" for the council’s environmental health team to attend such a meeting.

At a meeting of the Threemilewater Alliance, Alderman Tom Campbell suggested that a pre-determination hearing be held. This was supported by Glengormley Sinn Féin councillor Rosie Kinnear and subsequently approved by the committee.

Michelle Weir, Correspondent for Local Government Affairs

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