How To Object
River Lagan Foul Sewage Discharges and the Planning Crisis in Drumbeg
This week’s Spotlight programme (BBC One) exposed the extent of untreated sewage discharges into Belfast Lough. (The Sewage Scandal)
A similar environmental disaster is unfolding on the River Lagan, which discharges into
Belfast Lough. For the past three years, the Quarterlands Group has raised concerns with
planners and councillors about untreated foul sewage entering the River Lagan from 72
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), pumping stations, and wastewater treatment facilities.
According to NI Water, CSOs and pumping stations spill 390,757,000 litres of wastewater into
the Lagan annually, at least half of which is untreated foul sewage from the Storm overflows. Dry Spills are not included.
Planning Controversies and Procedural Irregularities
This crisis is exacerbated by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s (LCCC) determination to approve contentious developments, such as the Quarterlands Road project in Drumbeg. This approval comes despite overwhelming evidence of environmental risks and the limitations of the wastewater infrastructure.
Action at a Planning Meeting on the 18 September 2024 prevented a decision being taken by Members and a complete re-run of the case at a subsequent meeting on 14 October 2024. During this meeting, a 5-to-2 decision was made to approve the development. A significant factor in this decision was information provided by NI Water regarding capacity at Drumbeg Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW).
NI Water’s evidence at this meeting contradicted previous public statements regarding capacity at Drumbeg WwTW. Until 4 October 2024, NI Water consistently stated that the facility had “no headroom” to accommodate additional sewage. However, during the 14 October meeting, NI Water claimed to have identified an additional 226 population equivalent (PE) capacity, justifying approval of the development.
This contradiction is concerning, as NI Water had previously informed the Assembly, MLAs, and other stakeholders—via published reports, departmental responses, and letters (dated 31 July and 15 October 2024)—that Drumbeg WwTW has no capacity.
Disregard for Environmental Context
Planners have also demonstrated a troubling disregard for the ecological and geographic realities of the area. Despite clear evidence from modern maps and established definitions, planners have insisted that Drumbeg is not part of the Lagan Valley Regional Park. This assertion directly contradicts the Park’s official boundaries and the LDP 2032, which includes Drumbeg (see maps on pages 48 and 120).
Additionally, the council has shown a disturbing lack of concern for the downstream cumulative environmental impact of new developments. Pollution from developments in Drumbeg flows into the River Lagan, eventually reaching Belfast Lough and its Ramsar sites, located just four miles downstream. These wetlands are protected under international law for their importance to migratory birds and aquatic ecosystems. However, planners appear to ignore these obvious connections, enabling further environmental degradation.
A Call for Action
Despite at least five significant foul sewage incidents in Drumbeg over recent years, housebuilding continues. The Quarterlands Group has consistently presented evidence of the risks, only to face dismissals and disregard for biodiversity, environmental law, and planning regulations.
The group expressed their frustration:
“It’s not just about sewage or development—it’s about governance and accountability. We’re seeing a disregard for evidence, public input, and biodiversity issues, all to push through developments that will irreversibly damage our community and the environment.”
The Quarterlands Group demands transparency, accountability, and a proper review of planning decisions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Currently the planning application the Quarterlands Group have been objecting to has over 480 letters of objection on the planning portal and a petition with over 2000 signatures.
