Belfast councillors demand pollution checks and answers over Cregagh Glen

Belfast councillors are pressing Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to explain its enforcement and pollution checks around Cregagh Glen. As of Thursday 29 October 2026, a unanimously approved committee motion seeks a public account of how planning conditions are being monitored at an upstream housing development, Belfast Live reports.

The motion, proposed by Green Party Councillor Brian Smyth, asks the neighbouring council’s chief executive to account for monitoring and enforcement of planning permission LA05/2022/1170/F. Its Condition 12 bars construction within 10 metres of the watercourse.

The Standards and Business Committee wants details of inspection frequency at both the development site and the wider glen, alongside measures to prevent pollution. It also wants investigation findings made public and stronger protections for future building within the glen’s catchment.

Enforcement case over alleged breach

The motion records an open enforcement case concerning an alleged breach of planning conditions at Ballymaconaghy Road. Belfast councillors expressed concern that Lisburn and Castlereagh had not reassured the public or elected representatives that urgent action was being taken to halt works pending compliance.

Smyth said at least six pollution incidents had been confirmed at Cregagh Glen since 2024. He described concerns about the water and sediment after visiting the area himself, and criticised the response to his Freedom of Information request.

The £50 million Mount Ober housing scheme occupies the former Knockbracken Driving Range site north of Ballymaconaghy Road. It is within Lisburn and Castlereagh’s council area. Suspicions have centred on work there, but the link to the pollution remains an allegation.

Residents to help protect the glen

Cregagh Glen’s wooded gorge, stream, waterfalls and walking trail extend from east Belfast towards the Castlereagh Hills. Belfast City Council and the National Trust share ownership.

Councillors also backed working with the National Trust to create a “Friends of Cregagh Glen” group, giving residents a role in protecting the area.

Source: Belfast Live