Northern Ireland

Residents hit out as huge pig farm plan given green light in Co Antrim

Protestors make their feelings known about the planned pig farm on the outskirts of Newtownabbey
Protestors make their feelings known about the planned pig farm on the outskirts of Newtownabbey Protestors make their feelings known about the planned pig farm on the outskirts of Newtownabbey

RESIDENTS living close to the site of a huge pig farm proposed in Co Antrim were “ignored” as councillors gave the plans the green light, it has been claimed.

The application for Hall Farm, on the outskirts of Newtownabbey, was brought to the planning committee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Tuesday, where nine members voted in favour while two DUP councillors – Thomas Hogg and John Smyth – objected.

Cllr Smyth said he had “grave concerns” over odour and the production of slurry at the site, while outside protestors made their feelings known by confronting councillors as they left the offices at Mossley Mill.

The farm plan had been recommended for approval by council staff and proposes to house up to 17,000 pigs at the site at Rea Hill Road.

However, the council has received over 800 objections.

An online petition has also attracted more than a quarter of a million signatures, while charity Animal Aid has claimed it would set a “dangerous precedent” for the “intensification” of farming.

Famous names lending support to the campaign include Queen guitarist Brian May and actress Jenny Seagrove.

Residents have hit out at how their objections are being handled.

One told the Irish News they were invited to Tuesday’s meeting but were offered just six minutes to state their case, with no questions allowed to be asked of councillors.

“We just feel ignored. Yet we are the ones who will have to live with the reality of this huge farm on our doorsteps.”

SDLP councillor Roisin Lynch said elected representatives who do not sit on the planning committee and objected to the farm would ensure the concerns of residents would be made clear.

“I come from a farming background and understand the need for agricultural development, however, the site, on the edge of an urban area, is not the place to build an industrial-sized pig farm,” she said.