Concerns have been raised housing development could have negative effects on Lagan Valley Regional Park. (Image: Belfast Live) The chairperson of Lisburn and Castlereagh planning committee has had to step away from a controversial application after re-posting an MLA's social media objections. A special meeting lasting almost four and a half hours was held at Lagan Valley Island on Wednesday night (Sept 18) following a 'call-in' on an application.
Objections were made to a planned housing development on grounds it could cause potential environmental harm to Northern Ireland's only regional park, 'Lagan Valley', and an area of outstanding natural beauty. READ MORE: Education Authority 'failed its duty of care' over school oil spill into Lagan, Cllrs says. READ MORE: Lisburn & Castlereagh Council sees fall in sick days ahead of new HR policy starting.
However, a planning officer's report states: "It remains the recommendation of officers that this application should be approved." In chambers, a barrister representing the developers, argued that committee chairperson, Alliance Castlereagh East Alderman, Martin Gregg had previously re-posted an 'X' (Twitter) post by South Belfast MLA and Alliance party deputy whip, Kate Nicholl in support of objectors. Alliance councillor and LCCC planning committee chairperson, Alderman Martin Gregg.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted Alderman Gregg for comment. He responded: "I've had to step back from the meeting tonight (Se.