Minister set to give Moira crematorium the go ahead

The Department of Environment’s planning group has recommended that the application for the facility on the Lisburn Road is approved.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said he “concurred with this advice”.

“It is my intention to announce that a notice of opinion to approve will be prepared and issued in the near future,” he said.

The site would include access roads and car parking.

The planning application had been classed as a ‘major’ application by the DOE.

Local people have voiced concerns about the proposed development, which has potential for up to 9000 burial plots.

Consultants have said there is a clear and identified need for additional cremation facilities in Northern Ireland.

Full report and reaction in this week’s Ulster Star.