War of words erupts in council

The Planners indicated their intention to approve an amended application by Garrett Homes Ltd for a residential development at Richmond Court in Lisburn.

However, Councillor Dornan asked that the decision be deferred to allow further discussions to be held as there were 21 objections to the application.

Mr Dornan said he was surprised that his request was not supported by the unionist councillors on the committee and the application was given the go ahead.

Speaking after the Liscommittee meeting, Councillor Dornan said that he had been “amazed at a most unusual response by unionist Councillors.”

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to the request of concerned residents of Richmond Drive and Richmond Mews to meet with planners about a planning application.

At the request of a number of residents Councillor Dornan had relayed their concerns to the Committee and the Senior Planning Officer had offered a meeting on Wednesday 10th September “in the interests of fairness”. Previously 21 letters of objection had been submitted. Concerns included the height of the houses and fences, adjacent as they were to bungalows.

“DUP and Unionist Councillors used their majority to vote to block the Planning Officer’s offer of a meeting”, said Councillor Dornan. “This included North Lisburn Councillors who should have respected their constituents’ wish for the meeting with planners. I have never observed such cavalier disregard for the rights of residents to have their concerns heard and such determination to achieve an instant decision in favour of a development. I am at a loss to understand how waiting until next week to allow residents to have their meeting was too much to ask.”