Northern Ireland pig, poultry, cattle sheds and biogas plants were among the questionable planning applications.
A criminal investigation has been launched after allegedly fake soil samples were used in 108 planning applications for pig, poultry and cattle sheds as well as biogas plants.
The likes of factory farms and central anaerobic digesters are considered a threat to the environment because they produce huge amounts of waste which can end up on the land through slurry spreading.
Because of concerns around the impact that waste could have on our soil, rivers, lakes and sea, applicants seeking a greenlight for that type of development have to provide analysis of the soil tests they have carried out to obtain environmental authorisation.
But the Detail reported in November how 108 applications submitted false reports.
A major planning consultancy is understood to have been involved in many of the applications being investigated.
The Department for Infrastructure; Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, [**PSNI**](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/all-about/psni) and NI Audit Office and nine of our 11 local councils are all involved in the probe.
Over half the questionable applications were submitted to two councils – Fermanagh & [**Omagh**](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/all-about/omagh) District Council and Mid Ulster District Council.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Economic Crime Unit are currently collating and reviewing information in relation to this matter.”
[https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-planning-probe-launched-28364665](https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-planning-probe-launched-28364665)
by SodaBaps
8 comments
“A major planning consultancy is understood to have been involved in many of the applications being investigated.”
Hang on. So you’re telling me the farming industry is full of greedy selfish corrupt cunts?
Any wonder the lough looks like something in a horror movie
Been saying this for years. Most farms now have more shite than they can handle.
Remember the comments every time a Lough Neigh post went up? “ah you can’t blame the farmers, not all farmers, farmers are the scape goat blah blah blah”
It’s almost as if the more time passes you find that farmers are ignorant self serving bastards who will defraud the government to suit themselves. I was recently recommended a pro turf Facebook page and the posters genuinely think turf is a renewable resource.
Gotta do something after all that RHI money dries up eh.
Guarantee one the DUP has interests in that company
Some people are as crooked as a shepard’s staff!