Proposed business park ‘will create jobs’

He described the decision as “the roll-out of council’s vision in terms of the very much needed regeneration of Maghera and increased opportunities for economic development and job-creation.”

Cllr McPeake said the decision created “a driver for positive social change for the town’s residents and all those who live in its neighbouring rural hinterland.”

He continued: “Through a community consultation and engagement process, the former Maghera High School site was identified by council as a site that presented massive opportunities in terms of economic regeneration, business development and investment. This was outlined in the Maghera Physical Development Framework and Action Plan 2017-2030.

“Since the last financial crash and through the recent years of relentless British-Tory austerity, our local communities and towns have suffered much by way of decline and stagnation.

“Against this economic and political background, Sinn Féin continue to support positive initiatives that encourage investment, sustainable economic growth and the creation of well paid jobs within our district.”

“At the recent monthly meeting of Mid-Ulster District Council, after rigorous deliberations by the planning committee, a major planning decision was endorsed unanimously by all councillors present.

“This council decision will enhance the economic development of Maghera by utilising the grounds of the former High School when incorporating a much needed and well-designed business park.”

Cllr McPeake added: “It is essential that we allow local companies to expand, and therefore remain in the Maghera area, thus increasing opportunities to have more jobs created. Such opportunities for company expansion will lead to jobs growth within our area.

“The need for company expansion has been identified as the single most important development constraint for medium/large sized local companies.

“The approval for development and investment at this site will help address such ongoing concerns.”

He said the development of business enterprise and job creation at a prime site will be a significant factor in terms of contributing to further growth of the export market for the district.

“‘Our Plan for Growth (2015 - 2020)’ - Mid-Ulster Council’s Economic Development Plan identified that a key economic opportunity for the district is our potential for export growth in key sectors including manufacturing and construction,” he added.