Adria site hit by vandals

West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle claims the disused site, which was subject to a failed mixed use development application, has become a centre for anti-social activity.

She asked the Minister whether he intended changing “the planning designation of the Adria site, Strabane from industrial use to mix use, to facilitate the development of the site which has become the main focal point for anti-social behaviour and vandalism which affects residents in the adjoining residential areas of Melmount Road and the old Ballycolman areas of the town.”

Mr Attwood replied that “current planning policy permits the redevelopment of the Adria site, Strabane and therefore it is unnecessary to amend the Area Plan designation which does not specifically zone the site for a particular use.”

He stated that any proposals may be considered on their merits in line with regional policy (PPS4).

He also noted that a previous mixed use propoal for the area was refused only due to “concerns at the time that there was a shortage of industrial land available and it was important to maintain this essential industrial land supply.”

Mr Attwood advised that the situation had changed and that future mixed use developments will be considered.

“The need for industrial and business land in Strabane has now been addressed in the short to medium term with the approval of 12 hectares of industrial land at Melmount Road and a mixed use development approved at Strabane/Lifford Road.

“Therefore a mixed use development would now be acceptable in principle at the Adria site. The Department is currently considering a planning application on the site for residential development, enterprise units, open space and a school (J/2011/0361/O). This application will be considered on its merits in line with policy,” he stated.