Plans to build a £100m harbour eco-village on the site of a derelict cement works and quarry near Larne have been given the go-ahead.

The mixed use development on the site of Magheramorne Quarry will include 450 environmentally-friendly homes, restaurants, retail units, a community centre, a hotel, a harbour-side tourist point with viewing tower, boating facilities and a chandlery, a heritage railway and visitor centre, an ecology/art park and also film studios and a backlot.

Visiting Magheramorne Quarry, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said: "This is an imaginative and unique opportunity for Northern Ireland that will reuse what has become a redundant quarry and replace it with a major tourist attraction.

"With strategic rail and road transport links readily available due to its close proximity to Larne, one of the gateways to Northern Ireland, this will provide a boost for the tourism industry across the province.

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"Two hundred years of quarrying and cement production has taken its toll on the landscape and I am delighted that this scheme will remove what has become a major eyesore from one of our valued scenic routes and rejuvenate the area."

The planning application by Lafarge Cement UK proposes the development of the harbour eco-village will take place in a number of phases.

It is expected Magheramorne will become Ireland's first One Planet Living Community based on a number of principles including zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, sustainable construction materials, local and sustainable food, sustainable water, natural habitats and wildlife, culture and heritage, equity and fair trade, health and happiness.

In addition, the plans include a world class cycling centre, an events area, a bird watching and interpretation centre, a diving centre, an industrial archaeology park, visitor accommodation and facilities and associated infrastructure.

The Minister added: "The project will be completed in a number of phases and the first phase will see the development of the World Cycling Centre, the first purpose designed mountain bike events facility in Ireland and one of the first in the UK.

"This is an ambitious and exciting £100million project for the 21st Century. It will create a variety of jobs and should also draw a range of tourists to the area."

(PR/JM)