Statement by Jim Allister MLA, North Antrim TUV:
“A planning application has been submitted by SONI whereby obtrusive overhead electricity pylons will be erected in the Rasharkin area, with a particular impact on properties on the Bann Road and Portna Road.
“The irony of this application is that initially SONI produced a far less obtrusive route for the pylons that affected far less properties, but in their wisdom have now applied for a route which brings it to the immediate vicinity of Rasharkin. The only rationale from SONI is that the abandonment of the original route appears to be to appease another renewable energy commercial interest. This is not a valid planning reason. Therefore, the concerns of residents and landowners has been trumped by a commercial one.
“Along with concerned residents I have met with SONI in an attempt to steer them towards their original plans, but they appear to be fixated on the new application.
“I have now written to the planning department at Causeway Coast and Glens Council – it is down to the planners to step up and kick this application to the kerb.”