EXCLUSIVE: BRIDGEWATER DEVELOPERS CONFIRM HIGH COURT BATTLE

"We have reviewed in detail with our legal team the report of the Planning Appeals Commission and the decision of the Planning Service," said a spokesperson for the developers.

"We believe that there were serious errors made in the consideration of evidence presented at the inquiry and the subsequent processes which led to the PAC's conclusions and its recommendation to the Department of the Environment, to refuse permission. Equally we believe that the Planning Service made serious errors in its processing of the decision."

Two weeks ago the Leader predicted the developers would push ahead with a judicial review. At that time the group of Banbridge town traders who are opposed to Tesco Extra moving to Bridgewater Park refused to comment on the speculation.

However, the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association and the traders have hit out at the latest development, branding it a waste of taxpayers money.

Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive and Rosin McAleenan, Banbridge Chamber President, said: "We fully expected that the developers would try this desperate tactic after failing to convince either the DOE Planning Service or the Planning Appeals Commission of their arguments"

"Given that the DOE and PAC are funded by taxpayers and will have to defend their decision in court, it is a scandalous waste of public money."

"The developer should go back to the drawing board and develop the proposed site for industrial use instead of an out-of- town hypermarket which would cause retail devastation to Banbridge Town Centre and result in the net loss of hundreds of jobs"

councillors

Meanwhile, Banbridge councillors Jim McElroy and Seamus Doyle have once again spoken of their belief that the Tesco Extra store is vital for the future prosperity of Banbridge.

"We are in the middle of an economic downturn and we need to be securing this kind of investment for Banbridge," said Seamus Doyle. "This development will put Banbridge on the map and attract thousands of the people to the district both to Bridgewater and to the town centres."

Seamus Doyle said it is a 'must' to secure the investment at Bridgewater as the development, he says, will create hundreds of much needed jobs for the area.