Boardmills residents tooppose quarry

The meeting will be held at 8pm in Ballymacbrennan School Hall on the Saintfield Road to discuss the anticipated submission of a planning application for a quarry and mineral extraction plant.

Their concerns relate to an 80 acre site located between Creevy Road and the B6 Saintfield Road.

According to the residents, Conexpo, a quarry company based in Belfast, have purchased two adjoining fertile farms and have completed a feasibility study regarding proposed mineral development. A number of concerns have been raised by people living close to the site.

They are concerned about the loss of amenity due to noise, vibration and dust. They are also worried about the impact on the many surrounding local equestrian and farming businesses, the long term environmental, welfare and health implications, as well as the impact of lorries, heavily laden with aggregate, travelling down the already busy Saintfield Road.

A spokesperson for the residents said: “The proposed development could set a dangerous precedent for the destruction and industrial development of the peaceful County Down countryside. We hope the meeting will raise awareness about the proposed quarry and would welcome all those who are keen to hear how this could impact on them to come along to the meeting.”

A Conexpo spokesperson confirmed it is currently carrying out ground investigations and a feasibility study on a section of their Creevy Farm lands.

The company directors have already personally met neighbours who were made aware of the site investigations.

It would be the company’s intention to hold a neighbourhood information session for residents should the current investigations and environmental impact assessment lead to a formal planning application.

The company directors were keen to stress “that if any part of the Creevy Farm site is to be developed in any way; this will be done in harmony with the family’s farming activities and existing residential buildings, and with proper consideration to the local community.”