Planners reject appeal over Dundrod super cemetery plans

A Lisburn Councillor has expressed his delight that a long fight against a proposed ‘super cemetery’ at Dundrod is now at an end.

Alderman James Tinsley welcomed the news that the Planning Appeals Commission has rejected an appeal by Cartson Undertakings Ltd which was lodged after Lisburn and Castlereagh refused planning permission fot the cemetery in 2018,

The plan for Loughview Park Cemetery, which would have had a lifespan of 75 years, would have seen the development of a 96-acre site which would involve an initial £10 million investment and include funeral facilities, catering, parking, woodland walkways and a memorial garden.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The plan for the site, located close to the Ulster Grand Prix circuit at Dundrod, met with fierce opposition from local residents, as well as Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club, and the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club.

“Race fans far and wide felt so strongly about the impact these plans could have on this international event that they launched a ‘Don’t Bury the UGP’ petition, which has been supported by motorcycle fans around the world,” Des Stewart, chairman of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club (UGPSC), commented.

Mr Stewart said the club were “relieved” that the Planning Appeals Commission had rejected the appeal and that the cemetery would not go ahead close to the race circuit.

He continued: “The Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club has been in existence since 1963 and every year there seems to be another crisis.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This crisis was in the form of a massive cemetery on 96 acres alongside the actual road race, which would have caused a disruption to anything we would be doing during Race Week.

“We felt very strongly that we needed to do something about it.

“We were determined to campaign against it for as long as we needed to but thankfully it has now reached a conclusion and we are all somewhat relieved.”

Welcoming the decision by the Planning Appeals Commission, Mr Tinsley said he was “absolutely delighted that after 5 years campaigning against the super Cemetery at Dundrod the Planning Appeals Commission has dismissed the two appeals by the applicant.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He continued: “If this had received approval I believe it would have decimated this rural, tranquil area of Dundrod.

“I am so pleased for the local residents and the UGP supporters who fought really hard over the years against this unwelcome proposal in the area.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who got involved in the campaign (3700 objectors) and the small working group who attended the many meetings we had over the years with various agencies.

“Special thank you to Mr Les Ross for all his professional guidance and expertise.”

Related topics: