Sinn Fein and the SDLP have slammed a decision by the Department of Infrastructure after plans were approved to develop the ARC21 incinerator in Glengormley.

Both parties said the decision was a "disgrace".

SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon said: "The SDLP opposed these plans from the outset and believe the Department for Infrastructure have made the wrong decision to grant full planning permission for the Hightown Incinerator, in spite of residents' concerns.

"Despite the unanimous political opposition to the plans, the current political vacuum has enabled this decision to go through unchallenged."

SDLP Glengormley Councillor Noreen McClelland said she was "shocked" at the decision to grant full planning permission.

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She said: "Every political party is on record as opposing the ARC21 incinerator. It clearly poses a significant threat to the wellbeing of established communities in this area. To place an incinerator plant so close to several large residential developments, schools and an area of high scenic value like the Belfast Hills is a disaster.

"An SDLP Minister decided against granting planning for this plant. It is a gross overstep for the Department to grant full planning permission while the devolved institutions are down. I will be seeking an urgent meeting with the Permanent Secretary where the Department must be held fully accountable."

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "Residents and all the elected representatives in the area were united in their opposition to the Hightown incinerator.

"This is a reversal of a previous planning decision against an incinerator in the area.

"Sinn Féin is opposed to these incinerators and the damage it will do to the environment.

"In this specific case waste will come from all eleven council areas. This will entail hundreds of lorries travelling through the area on a daily basis with the resulting pollution. The incinerator may also be used to import waste from areas further afield.

"The granting of this application is the wrong decision and is one which will be opposed by Sinn Féin and all the residents in the area."

(CD/LM)