Other News In Brief

Rage Among Farmers As Ammonia Planning Rules Change Again

There is outrage among farmers as the planning rules for assessing ammonia for farm applications have changed without warning, the Ulster Farmers' Union has said.

UFU president, Ivor Ferguson, said the decision by Shared Environmental Services (SES), which was made without consultation with industry, will have vast and far-reaching consequences and ultimately impact on all farmers regardless of sector and size.

"The goalposts have been moved again. How are farmers meant to plan and develop their businesses when the rules are changed without warning? It is completely unacceptable that these changes, which have significant implications for farm businesses, have been foisted upon us. Never mind that it has been done without any proper engagement or consultation.

"The new rules put us at a competitive disadvantage. Our closest neighbour and biggest competitor in the GB market, the Republic of Ireland, does not have the same ammonia regulations. They are free to expand, while we can’t. Ultimately, this means agri-businesses, rural economy and communities will all be impacted unless we find a balanced way forward that allows businesses to develop and deliver ammonia reductions," said Mr Ferguson.

The new policy for assessing planning applications is much stricter than the previous one and Mr Ferguson says the new rules make it virtually impossible for farm businesses to comply.

"If the farm business is sited within 7.5 km of certain designated sites, their application will more than likely be denied. The roll out of this means that the vast majority of farmers across NI will be unable to develop their business if the new rules remain in place," he said.

The new policy has implications for those with applications already in the system or about to apply, the majority of which have incurred significant expenditure preparing their applications.

Newtownards Sewer Works Extended

A seven-week programme of sewer works in Newtownards has been extended due to difficult ground conditions.

The project will see the network on the Movilla Road upgraded to serve a new housing development. It will involve laying 254m of foul sewer and associated manholes.

Work will take approximately 15 weeks and run until the end of October 2019.

In order for the works to be carried out safely, a temporary lane closure will remain in place on Movilla Road for the duration of the works. Two-way traffic will be maintained with temporary traffic signals during this time. Vehicular access for residents will be maintained as far as possible and pedestrian access will remain available at all times.

Contractor BSG Civil Engineering is delivering the works on behalf of NI Water.

Contractors To Begin Initial Site Works In Coalisland

Contractors are set to begin initial works on site to deliver a £3.4 million public realm scheme in Coalisland.

The project will see the provision of new footways, parking and loading bays, stone kerbing, street furniture and tree planting, as well as improved lighting and drainage.

It will also include the introduction of a new one-way system on Main Street which allows for widened footpaths to meet disability access and pedestrian safety requirements, as well as helping to improve traffic flow in the town centre.

Speaking ahead of work starting, Chair of the Council, Councillor Martin Kearney, said: "Coalisland will benefit enormously from this investment which will transform the look and feel of the town centre, particularly at Barrack Street where a derelict building will be demolished, removing an eye-sore, reducing anti-social behaviour at the site and at the same time creating a new car park, green space and improved access onto Main Street.

"Careful consideration has been given to the phasing of the work which will take place in 25 metre-long sections and we will be on the ground, along with our contractors, talking to local businesses and residents, keeping people informed of progress and ensuring that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum."

Pauline Campbell, Director of DfC's North West Development Office welcomed the commencement of the Public Realm works.

She added: "This investment in Coalisland by DfC will help to stimulate business, increase footfall, improve pedestrian safety and transform the town centre by enhancing the physical appearance and also by improving traffic management and parking. This scheme will lay strong foundations for future development and investment in Coalisland."

The project is funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) and Mid Ulster District Council.

Fox Contracts, who is delivering the scheme, will also host a couple of information events next week, giving locals the opportunity to view drawings and designs.



(JG)