City IndustrialWaste’s history

The plant was shut last week after a probe into what Alex Attwood said was “immense and appalling” unlawful waste activity.

In a letter published by the Planning Service and forwarded to the NI Ombudsman, Gerry Quinn, on behalf of the River Faughan Anglers (RFA), referred to “the general retrospective nature of the waste processing and mineral extraction applications at this location.” He specifically referred to one application, which sought to extend the premises.

He stated: “City Industrial Waste has demonstrated a blatant disregard for planning policy and environmental protection.”

He added: “By failing to adequately enforce, Planning Service and the NIEA have been complicit in any damage caused, created a situation where a permanent threat from future environmental harm now exists and by its practice of after the event regularisation is rewarding developing developers for breaching planning and enviornmental law. This is a truly shocking indictment of a failed planning system.” The Sentinel asked City Industrial Waste to comment. The company didn’t respond.

A spokesperson for the DoE said: “The Minister is very much aware of the objections by the RFA and keeps informed of the planning application. As with all others, the application will be properly addressed. At present the DOE has told the applicant to provide further information in relation to environmental concerns.

“Clearly, in this case, and given the wider situation, these environmental issues will be very strongly interrogated.

“The Minister has convened a meeting of planning and other officials to assess this application, to confirm both his interest and to further assess concerns.”