'A sustainable development that supports rural employment': Northern Ireland underwater engineering specialist submits plans for a new light industrial development in Lisburn
Plans for eight light industrial units aim to boost local employment while expanding the long-standing Moira Road site
An underwater engineering specialist has submitted plans for a new light industrial development in Lisburn.
ABCO Divers Ltd, supported by Carlin Planning, has lodged a full planning application with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for the proposed Moira Road Marine Engineering Hub.
The proposal seeks permission to extend and redevelop part of a 1.61-acre site at 282 Moira Road, currently occupied by ABCO Marine. The plans would retain the company’s headquarters building and existing light industrial sheds to the rear of the site.
If approved, the development would see the construction of eight light industrial units arranged across four blocks, alongside new access arrangements, parking, landscaping, drainage and associated ancillary works.
ABCO Divers has more than 40 years’ experience providing underwater services to the civil engineering and marine construction sectors across Ireland, the UK and Europe. The company has operated its head office from Moira Road for a number of years and is regarded as a long-standing contributor to the local economy.
A planning statement submitted with the application said the new units have been designed to align with the scale and appearance of the existing industrial buildings on the site.
A planning statement submitted with the application noted that the development fully complies with relevant regional and local planning policies, including those governing rural employment, access and parking, flood risk, and environmental protection.
“The proposed development is appropriately sited and will generate employment without adversely impacting the rural character of the area,” the statement said.
The statement also confirmed that measures would be put in place to protect local habitats, with landscaping designed to minimize visual impact.
“The reuse of the site and the integration of new buildings have been carefully planned to reflect the scale and materials of the existing structures,” it continued, noting that the project would boost local employment opportunities and economic activity while remaining environmentally sensitive.
“Given its full compliance with all relevant planning policies, this application represents a sustainable development that supports rural employment while preserving the character of the area.”
The proposal will now be considered by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council as part of the planning process.