Council backs BMAP action

Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee said he “wholeheartedly” supported the announcement.

He commented: “Significant employment and economic development opportunities are being jeopardised by Minister Durkan’s adoption of BMAP in its current form.

“The decision to adopt the Plan with a policy restricting retail development at Sprucefield, contrary to a recommendation by the independent Planning Appeals Commission, was taken without agreement at Executive level and robs Northern Ireland of a unique investment opportunity at a time when the creation of employment and economic activity should be priorities.”

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Planning Committee at Lisburn City Council, added: “The adoption of BMAP with restrictive retail policies puts Belfast first to the clear disadvantage and diminishment of other regional retail locations across Northern Ireland.

“Therefore I am delighted that Minister Foster has announced her intention to seek a Judicial Review on this matter.”

Lisburn Councillor, and local solicitor, Alexander Redpath believes the council should consider having its name attached to the proceedings.

He explained: “The Minister’s decision to take a Judicial Review takes a financial pressure off Lisburn Council who may have considered our own application.

“However subject to legal advice and the views of my colleagues I believe Lisburn City Council should consider having our name attached to the proceedings.

“This would obviously have cost implications but it would provide us with insurance against the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment withdrawing the action. Given the current uncertainty in the Northern Ireland Assembly I think this is worthy of discussion.”

He added: “It is disgraceful that Minister Durkan approved this plan without the approval of his executive colleagues. Especially as this plan has an impact on several Stormont departments.”