Residents unite to challenge planners

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has revealed the meeting took place between residents of Dundonald campaigning against housing development on Knock Golf Club and opponents of a super dump proposed for a site in the Ringsend area of County Derry.

He said: "These groups have strengths in their own right but collectively will form a formidable force to challenge the Planning Service.

"The decision to approve hundreds of houses in a green wedge in a built-up area of Dundonald is as outrageous as entertaining a super dump in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of County Derry."

"Both groups have their own experience and are aware of the obstacles which are placed in the way when questioning the activities of the Planning Service."

The assembly member continued: "I am grateful to the Dundonald Residents Greenbelt Association for coming to Ringsend to meet their country cousins in a common cause to protect the environment both in town and country."

"This meeting comes at a time when there are plans to cut the funding for Community Planning, the advisory body which offers free planning advice to individuals and groups who are dealing with the Planning Service but lack the expertise and knowledge they need.

Mr Dallat says that the group are now more determined to bring their case to the Environment Minister.

"Following this meeting the Ringsend Residents Group have decided to appeal to the Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots to set in motion a public inquiry into the planning application for a landfill site at Cam."

He concluded: "Recently the Planning Service was deemed by the Northern Ireland Audit Office as 'not fit for purpose' and out of this it is essential that radical steps must be taken by the minister to ensure that the service is fully accountable to the public and support is available to groups such as the Ringsend and Dundonald residents to ensure they have all the resources needed to ensure the environment is fully protected against undesirable development."