Waste transfer station at Craigahullier Landfill Site, Portrush

What was proposed

The application sought to add mixed municipal waste to the dry recyclables already stored and transferred at the existing waste transfer station.

“250226 Rural Needs Assessment (RNA) Screening Completed N/A Date: RNA Required and Completed: N/A Date: Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Screening Completed: N/A Date: DPIA Required and Completed: N/A Date: App No: LA01/2024/1187/F Ward: Dundooan App Type: Full Planning Address: Craigahulliar Landfill, Ballymacrea Road, Portrush Proposal: Use of existing waste transfer station to allow for storage and transfer of dry recyclables and mixed municipal…”

“250226 Application Withdrawn: 23.10.24. THE APPLICATION 4.1 This is a full application for Use of existing waste transfer station to allow for storage and transfer of dry recyclables and mixed municipal wastes due to closure of existing landfill site. (Amendment to planning permission (C/2002/1040/F – Shed for the storage and transfer of dry recyclables.)”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the waste-transfer principle was established, the existing shed would remain unchanged, and environmental effects were considered acceptable.

“250226 8.0 CONSIDERATIONS & ASSESSMENT 8.1 The main considerations in the assessment of this proposal include principle of development, environmental impact and other issues. Principle of Development 8.2 Planning permission was granted under C/2002/1040/F for erection of a shed for the storage and transfer of dry recyclables. Therefore, the principle of the development is established on site.”

“Having regard to the consultation responses and planning policy it is considered the proposal is acceptable and should be allowed. CONCLUSION 9.1 The proposed amendment to the original permission C/2002/1040/F, regarding the type of waste which can be stored and transferred from the shed, is considered acceptable having regard to the Northern Area Plan 2016, SPPS, PPS 11 and other material considerations.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

No third-party representations were received, and consultees including roads, waste management, environmental health and regulation raised no objections.

“250226 No objections or representations were received. Internal: DFI Roads: No objection. NIEA WMU: No objection. EHO: No objection. NIEA (Regulation Unit): No objection.”

Officer report

What people said

Objectors sought stronger odour and closure conditions and raised lighting and habitat concerns, while the supporter described controls and benefits from closing the landfill.

Members’ consideration

The planning officer said the addenda addressed the speakers’ concerns and that odour controls would be regulated through the waste management licence.

“In response to questions, the Senior Planning Officer advised that the addendums address the issues raised by the speakers, the site is subject to a Waste Management Licence, within this there are conditions related to odours, the Senior Planning Officer citied these Conditions. The Senior Planning Officer confirmed there are very strict and high standard of requirements within the Waste Management licence, which will be regulated by NIEA as the regulatory authority.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to approve was supported by 10 members, with none against and none abstaining.

“250924 JK/IO Proposed by Councillor McMullan Seconded by Councillor Archibald - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 9 and the policies and guidance in sections 7 and 8 and resolves to Approve planning permission subject to the conditions set out in section 10 The Chair put the motion to the Committee to vote. Members voted For; Members voted Against; Members Abstained.”

Minutes

Conditions on the permission

The permission limits waste types, protects the nearby designated rock face, requires containment where necessary and limits storage to 48 hours.

“Reason: Time Limit. The building shall be used for the storage and transfer of paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, tin cans and aluminum cans and mixed municipal wastes only. Reason: To protect the amenity of the adjoining area. No development shall take place until a fence has been erected 7m from the ASSI rock face, on a line to be agreed with the Department's Environment and Heritage Service; Natural Heritage.”

“250226 Reason: To protect the earth science interest. No construction activity associated with the development, including removal, dumping or storage of materials, shall take place within 7m of the designated ASSI rock face. Reason: To protect the integrity of the designated ASSI. No vehicles or construction equipment shall be used within 7m of the ASSI rock face. Reason: To protect the integrity of the designated ASSI. 6.”

Officer report