John Lewis inquiry set for ‘early 2013’

The much delayed inquiry, which was opened and adjourned in June 2010, has now been re-scheduled for early 2013.

The Planning Appeals Commission confirmed this week that the Department of the Environment has asked it to proceed with the inquiry into the plans for the 500,000 sq ft development - a joint venture between the Australian property firm Westfield and local developer Snoddons.

The Commission says it ‘will be in a position to re-open the inquiry early in 2013’.

“However, it wishes to avoid making arrangements only to have them put on hold due to arguments about, for example, the adequacy of the environmental statement” it says on its website.

“The Commission has decided to convene a further mid-inquiry meeting to clarify the status of previously submitted application and evidential documents, to deal with any outstanding procedural queries, to consider whether there are any remaining obstacles to the resumption of the inquiry and to discuss dates for re-opening.”

That meeting will take place at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 11th September in the Commission’s offices at Park House, 87-91 Great Victoria Street, Belfast.

The PAC has asked anyone who is proposing to put forward procedural arguments ‘in favour of further delaying the inquiry’ to set them out in writing to reach the Commission by no later than 4.00pm on Friday, 24th August.

The Commission said: “Any such comments should specifically identify the procedural issues and should not exceed 1,000 words. The comments will be copied to the applicants and the Department to enable them to respond at the meeting. This invitation relates to procedural issues only.

“ There will be a full opportunity to present views on the merits of the proposed retail development when the inquiry re-opens.”