BMAP decison ‘detrimental’ says Council

Ulster Unionist Councillor Alexander Redpath put forward the motion, seconded by Alliance Councillor Stephen Martin, which labelled the decision “detrimental to the general economic interests of the City of Lisburn” and not “in the interests of good governance”.

“I believe the BMAP is disastrous for the economic development of Lisburn,” explained Mr Redpath.

“Time and time again within the plan makes it clear that the protection of Belfast City Centre is the paramount objective.

“To this end the Belfast Metropolitan Plan has hamstrung the further development of Sprucefield shopping centre by limiting expansion to shops supplying bulky goods. This flies in the face of other departments trying to decentralise jobs and spending from Belfast.”

Mr Martin added: “I am pleased the Council has reacted quickly to not let this issue go out to pasture. Minister Durkan has doubled down on his Belfast First policy to the absolute disadvantage of not just Lisburn but the whole of Northern Ireland.

“How anyone can unilaterally push on with an agenda so economically illogical is a complete mystery to me. Lisburn Council will do everything possible to make Lisburn’s case.”

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee, said he “totally agreed” with the motion saying: “We need to be seen to be doing something.”

SDLP Councillor Pat Catney voiced his support for the motion but said: “I see a motion but it doesn’t say what we are going to do about it.”

“We have agreed to this together. I commend the Minister for making a decision - it may not be a decision I like but it is more than other Ministers have done.”

It is understood that the council is consulting with its legal advisors and will make a decision about whether to judicially review the decision next month.