THE rejection of a controversial planning application for the creation of a `super cemetery' near the site of the Ulster Grand Prix circuit in Co Antrim has been welcomed.
On Monday, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Planning Committee turned down planning permission for Loughview Park Cemetery at Dundrod.
It is understood the application proposed funeral facilities, woodland walkways and a memorial garden for the 96-acre site however the council rejected the plans on the basis that the nature, scale and lifespan of the proposed development was excessive and unacceptable.
There had also been concerns of the impact the development would have on the Ulster Grand Prix (UGP) event.
Des Stewart, Chairman of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club, welcomed the council's decision to reject planning permission.
"More than 3,000 objection letters to the plans were handed over to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in 2016, signed by the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club, the Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club, promoters of the Grand Prix and the vast majority of local residents, who were united in their opposition to the planned cemetery site on Quarterland Road, Dundrod," he said.
"Race fans far and wide felt so strongly about the impact these plans could have on this international event that they launched a `Don’t bury the UGP' petition, which has been supported by motorcycle fans around the world."
Mr Stewart said: "The inherent conflict between the economic benefits of the cemetery proposal and the existing benefits of the Ulster Grand Prix road racing event were weighed up by the Council Planning Committee and it was concluded that after the construction phase of the cemetery, economic benefits would be limited".
