Agenda item

The Planning Manager outlined the application to the Committee and highlighted the following key issues for consideration:

·        Principle of development;

·        Natural Heritage and Impact on ecology;

·        Impact on water / marine environment;

·        Design, layout and visual impact;

·        Impact on amenity and environmental health;

·        Access, parking and transport;

·        Flood risk; and

·        Waste infrastructure.

            He reported that the proposed facility would undertake the incineration of healthcare, hazardous and other waste and that the waste streams would be controlled through the Pollution Prevention Control (PPC) permit which was administered by DAERA NIEA.  He stated that the proposal was an on-island solution and would be an alternative to shipping waste to Great Britain or Europe.

            He stated that the proposed facility would have a capacity of 20,000 tonnes of waste per annum and that the island of Ireland generated around 43,000 tonnes of clinical waste annually, 13,000 tonnes in Northern Ireland and 30,000 tonnes in the Republic of Ireland.  He added that the PCC permit would cap the facilities capacity to 20,000 tonnes. 

            The Planning Manager stated that the facility could generate up to 10MW in heat which could convert to 1-2MW of electricity and that, in order of priority, the applicant intended that the primary energy use would be as a local heat supply, then local energy source and, finally, exported to the National Grid.

            He explained that, following the submission of further information, DAERA and SES had offered no objection to the proposal and that it was recommended that the application be approved, subject to conditions.

            The Chairperson welcomed Ms. G. Jobling, JPE Planning and Mr. G. Blacklock, SLR Consultant, to the meeting, who attended on behalf of the applicant.

            Ms. Jobling explained that the proposal represented a vital upgrade to the existing waste management facility that would transform it to a specialised installation for the incineration of healthcare and hazardous waste streams.

            She stated that the proposal was compliant with all relevant planning policies and would address critical infrastructure gap in Northern Ireland.  She explained that, in addition to treating waste, the facility would generate renewable energy which could be used directly by industries in the Duncrue area for heating or refrigeration or, alternatively, could be converted to electricity and supplied to local businesses.

            Ms. Jobling stated that significant research had underpinned the application which supported the principles of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship whilst enhancing Northern Ireland’s waste infrastructure.  She informed the Committee that the proposed facility would generate local high value jobs, support nearby businesses with energy recovery in the form of heat and electricity that would contribute to Belfast’s leadership in sustainable waste management solutions.

            She concluded by stating that the project was a forward thinking response to a pressing infrastructure need and explaining that environmental and technical assessments had demonstrated that the development would not adversely affect human health, ecology or air and water quality.

            After discussion it was

            Moved by Councillor Garrett,

            Seconded by Councillor Brennan, and

      Resolved - “That the Committee approves the application, subject to conditions, to include the addition of a condition to prevent the import of waste from outside the island of Ireland and delegates authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of the conditions, and deal with any other matters that might arise prior to issuing the decision, provided that they are not substantive.”

            Accordingly, the amendment was thereupon put to the meeting as the substantive motion.