OSM Assessment Allows Development of Former Factory Site, Carrickfergus

Environmental Assessment for Discharging of Planning Conditions at Former Courtaulds Factory Site, Carrickfergus

OSM successfully provided a number of environmental assessments to bolster a planning application for a large-scale residential development of an impressive 146 units.

The site is located on a vacant brownfield site to the rear of Minorca Drive Carrickfergus and within the grounds of the former Courtaulds textile factory site. The site, which closed in 2004, had previously been used to produce rayon. This poses a possible risk of chemical pollutants on site, specifically carbon disulphide which had been used on the site in production of rayon fabric.

Planning permission was granted for the development in December 2019 (LA02/2018/0154/F) contingent on a number of pre-construction conditions being met. OSM have completed further assessment to satisfy these conditions, with the following environmental and human health reports completed over February – July 2020:

• Piling Risk Assessment
• Detailed Remediation Strategy (hotspot removal, full site encapsulation and gas protection measures in line with CS3)
• Implementation Plan, including works monitoring programme
• Detailed Construction and Environmental Monitoring Plan (CEMP)

Consultation was undertaken with Mid and East Antrim Council Environmental Health Department and NIEA during the preparation of the reports and the following consultation process.

Outcome

Planning authorities have discharged the related planning conditions from the site planning permission and plans are underway for the start of site works. OSM will be undertaking supervision and monitoring of the remedial works as they progress.