Belfast City Council has approved a new 3G pitch at the Kingspan Stadium in East Belfast, despite a swathe of local objectors and a councillor complaining of the plan’s “outdated” use of microplastics.
At the Belfast City Council Planning Committee, elected representatives approved an application from Ulster Rugby, Kingspan Stadium, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue, to replace existing its natural grass rugby pitch with a new 3G surface, and conduct associated under-pitch drainage and other site works. 17 councillors voted in favour of the plan, while two councillors, one from the Green Party, and one from the SDLP, voted against it.
The council received 46 objections and one letter of support on the application. Objectors raised a series of issues, including the potential impact of microplastics on the natural environment and wildlife, rubber infill impacts on the ecosystem, wildlife, and human health, the use of potentially hazardous materials, and state that no biodiversity checklist submitted with the application. Objectors also flagged the potential impact of wash-off chemicals used on pitch, and highlighted potential negative effects on the Loop River.
