Approval for upgrade works at Household Recycling Centre in Randalstown

Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors have unanimously approved an upgrade to Craigmore Household Recycling Centre, at Clonkeen Road in Randalstown.

A proposal was given the go-ahead at a meeting of the borough council’s Planning Committee at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Wednesday evening (April 23).

Proposed works include drainage improvements, new security fencing and an extension for waste electrical goods and glass storage.

Three neighbouring properties were informed of the council’s development plans. There were no letters of objection.

A report to the committee said:

“The planning history on the application site has established the use of the site as a waste disposal facility with the site currently operating as a civic amenity site.”

The council owns and has operated the site, which has an annual throughput of 25,000 tonnes, for more than 20 years.

Currently, the site accepts a wide range of materials, including wood and timber, garden waste, dry recyclables, glass bottles and jars, small and large electrical appliances, car batteries, hardcore and rubble, fluorescent tubes, paint, hard plastics, plasterboard and scrap metal. The application does not propose any changes to waste types.

The proposal includes drainage improvement works and areas of surface repair.

The report notes that the site occupies “a relatively isolated position within this rural area with no residential properties along any of its boundaries”.

However, conditions will restrict lighting between 11pm and 7am.

The report also states:

“The development is considered to be visually integrated into the surrounding landscape and the design and appearance of the proposal is found to be acceptable. The development would not cause a detrimental change to the rural character of the surrounding area.

“It is considered that the existing road network can safely handle the vehicular traffic the proposal will generate and adequate access arrangements, parking and manoeuvring areas are provided as part of the proposal.”