Planners take a 'hard line'

The message came after councillors backed an appeal from a local business over an enforcement notice.

The Planning Appeals Commission received an appeal following an alleged unauthorised building and hardcore area in Portadown.

Councillor George Savage said: "Small businesses are getting it very tough and they are trying to make a break.

"The planners are taking a very hard line with small businesses and we have to take them to task - these people are employing people and at the minute that is very important.

"Have the planners nothing better to do?"

It was proposed that the council back the appeal made by Andrew Quinn for a property on the Artabrackagh Road, however, Councillor Dr Philip Weir urged caution.

He said: "We can't give total blanket support to each business that appeals a planning decision especially as there may well be may more cases to come before us."

Meanwhile, a planning application has been approved for 191 houses in Tullygally.

Despite two objections being lodged the development at Eastway and Ballynamony has been given the green light.