Plans for new waste facility unveiled

Representatives from the Glenavy Road quarry revealed details of their planning application, which could see a facility for disposing of construction waste at the site.

The scheme includes a main building of 3400 square metres and a crushing machine at the furthest point of the site.

The developers have been in contact with local residents about the plan and have insisted they are keen to engage with the local community as the proposals progress.

Dr Michael Gordon from Turley Associates, who have been working on the proposals, explained: "This will be a waste management facility for disposing of construction, demolition and excavation waste, which will be inert, non-hazardous waste.

"This is a strategic location, well placed in terms of transport routes. It is a former hard rock quarry which ceased operation and a number of businesses have obtained planning permission at this location over the years.

"A very significant investment has already been made to the infrastructure, including access and internal roads," he continued.

"We believe this proposal strikes a balance between the concerns of residents, the need to protect the environment and the need for this type of waste management facility."

Following their presentation, a number of councillors asked questions about the proposal.

Killultagh Councillor Thomas Beckett asked how the site would be screened from neighbouring houses and sought assurances that waste material would not be burnt on the site.

Dr Gordon confirmed that landscaping would be carried out around the site and that no material would be burnt, adding that this would undoubtedly be part of the planning restrictions if permission was granted.

Alderman Jim Dillon also stressed the need for further consultation with the local community, which the company said it was happy to continue.

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