Residents in Maghery have hit out after plans for an infill site was approved in the area – close to the shore of Lough Neagh.
Plans for the extension of a landfill site to include neighbouring fields on the Maghery Road was approved earlier this month.
The planning application was lodged by Cornett Design Associates Ltd, Armagh, on behalf of Francis Smyth in Portadown.
Members of the Maghery Matters Regeneration Group (MMRG) said they were “saddened” to hear the application was approved despite the council planning department’s recommendation for refusal.
“This [application] will increase flood risk to roads that our community use every day, as well as to our neighbours’ houses in the vicinity of the flood plain,” they said.
“The nature of the…material raises a water pollution risk to Lough Neagh via several water courses. This is a risk to everyone who’s drinking water comes from Lough Neagh. At a time when water quality in Lough Neagh has raised legitimate concerns among the community, further pollution from this proposed dumping site is quite likely and very worrying.”
The application, which was recommended for refusal by council officers was called in to committee for further discussion.
Speaking at the planning meeting earlier this month, Sinead McAvoy, planning manager, told committee members: “A site visit was held on December 14, 2023. Officers are of opinion that the proposed development fails to comply with all the relevant policies. On that basis the officers’ recommendation is that planning permission be refused.”
The planning manager went on to give a detailed presentation on the site being envisaged for the landfill extension.
When asked what type of waste material would be deemed acceptable by planning officers, she replied: “Concrete, big tiles and ceramics, so if you were minded to approve it we would add that condition that it should be the only waste brought onto the site.
“Waste being brought onto the site will also require a waste licence, which lies outside of the remit of planning but it is regulated by the NI Environment Agency (NIEA), so I suppose it’s an additional layer as regards to the regulation of it.
“For enforcement, we wouldn’t monitor it. We would probably be relying on the likes of the public, or indeed the NIEA. We worked closely with [them] on previous applications as regards to the type and quantity of waste coming in.”
Committee members had an opportunity to give their opinion on the planning application.
Alderman Gareth Wilson (DUP) commented: “From my perspective I found the visit very enlightening because [based on] the photographs it’s very hard to judge that in 2D.
“But when you’re out there in real time I felt I totally changed my view of what was proposed. It’s a relatively short addition in my view in terms of what’s proposed here.
“And with your paragraph there on conditions [as to the type of material which may be deposited], I am of the view that this is something we could accommodate. The key part is, it’s not going to be anything toxic.”
Fellow DUP representative, Councillor Scott Armstrong stated: “I think it was very beneficial for me just to [be] on site because I’m not not too familiar with the land there. This infill will actually improve [the site]. It would be beneficial.”
Councillor Alan Mulholland (DUP) concurred with his party colleagues: “When I was there and saw the land first hand, I sort of thought that if the person was going to try and make this into more of a greenish pasture, it is my opinion too that it would be an improvement.”
Alderman Wilson went on to propose the planning application be approved: “I would be content enough that we approve this and would make that a proposal, but also with those conditions [which] have been highlighted by our planning officer in terms of the type [of waste allowed] and the location of the fill.”
The proposal to approve the planning application was seconded by Cllr Armstrong. Councillor Fergal Donnelly (Sinn Fein), however, recommended refusal, but there was no seconder for his proposal.
As there was no unanimity on the issue, a vote was taken, with a majority of members in favour of the planning application.
As a result, MMRG say they will look at further options and have since organised a petition, which urges “local authorities to reconsider this proposal considering its potential harm, not only to our environment, but also to our health and well-being”.
Additional reporting by Francois Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter
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