Concrete plant plan 'totally unacceptable'

Despite efforts from Coleraine Borough Council to have the application scrapped, a letter from Environment Minister, Edwin Poots to MP Gregory Campbell suggests that the application will be approved.

Speaking at last Tuesday night's Council meeting, Independent Portrush councillor Christine Alexander brought news about the application, and the letter from Minister Poots.

"We wrote to the MInister requesting information about the application, now it appears as if the decision has been made."

Coleraine Mayor, councillor Norman HIllis agreed, saying: "Council's planning consulatant put forward a very detailed objection, I am totally frustrated by this."

DUP councillor Maurice Bradley hit out at the Minister:" I am really disappointed. This letter is very disrespectful towards Coleraine Borough Council. These people have a dump on their doorstep now they have this to contend with."

Council's Chief Executive agreed to seek a meeting with the Minister.

Independent councillor Christine Alexander explained: "Mr Campbell had a meeting with the residents, but the application appeared again on the planning schedule in November, as an approval, at that time we asked for an office meeting about the application, but, the Minister then pulled out the application.

"Now the application seems to be live again, and from reading the letter, it suggests that it will be approved despite our efforts."

REPORTS: NICHOLA FORGRAVE