Sprucefield proposal to go to public inquiry
Published on Wed, 18 Feb 2009
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today referred a proposal for a new retail development at Sprucefield to a public inquiry.
The application by Sprucefield Centre Limited was submitted to the Planning Service on 28 August 2008 and will now be considered by the Planning Appeals Commission.
During a visit to Lisburn City Council's offices in the Lagan Valley Island complex, the Minister explained: “This proposal raises a number of issues which remain unresolved relating to retail and the scale of the potential impact on existing town and city centres.
“I have considered the options available to me and I am satisfied that the best way forward is through the public inquiry procedure.
“In making this decision I am conscious of the importance of new inward investment and the potential for employment associated with the proposal, particularly in the current economic climate. I will, therefore, be asking the Planning Appeals Commission to give this matter a high priority.
“I note this application was submitted in late August. It is yet another example of my Department’s efforts to process large scale investment proposals to a recommendation within six months.”
Notes to Editors:
- The application, accompanied by an Environmental Statement was submitted on 28 August 2008.
- It was designated under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 on 8 October 2008.
- The applicant is Sprucefield Centre Limited (a joint venture between Westfield and Snoddens Construction Limited).
- The application seeks full planning permission for a department store on four levels, 19 retail units, surface and multi-storey car parking, and seven restaurants.
- The proposal would provide an additional 46,388 sq m of unrestricted class 1 retailing at Sprucefield.
- For media enquiries contact DOE Press Office tel. 028 9054 0003 or out of office hours call the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
