OUTRAGE AT STORE DELAY

Councillors claimed jobs were on the line as a result of the delay and warned there would be huge outcry if the plans were scuppered.

Representatives from Next had flown over to hear the good news that their plans for an 18,000 sq ft store at the former MFI unit had been granted planning permission. However, the senior planning officer withdrew the application from the schedule to allow further consideration of one objection to the application.

It is understood that the objector to the application is Valto Ltd, the owners of Lisburn Square, which currently houses a Next store in the city centre.

Next has given assurances that the Lisburn store, as well as the store at Rushmere, will remain open, however, the owners of Lisburn Square are concerned that if the Sprucefield development goes ahead, it could have a detrimental impact on the city centre.

At a meeting of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee this week, councillors said they were shocked the application was being withdrawn from the schedule at the last moment, with Alderman Jim Dillon saying: “I am sick, sore and tired of people sticking their noses into things.”

Downshire councillor Paul Stewart urged the Planning Service to bring the application back before the council in January and called on the council to formally voice their support for the application, which will bring major investment and 140 new jobs to the city.

“I am surprised this has been withdrawn at such a late stage,” said Mr Stewart. “I am surprised that in the current economic climate we find ourselves in, that this commitment by Next to bring jobs to the city is being delayed.

“The objection is about the current stores but Next has already given a commitment in that regard,” he continued.

“I propose that this council supports the Next application at Sprucefield and endorses this application as a corporate body.

“I also propose that we write to the Planning Service indicating our support and I would like assurances from the Planning Service that this will be brought back to this committee no later than January.

“This is a major application with major benefits for the city of Lisburn and I would call for it to be dealt with, with the utmost urgency.”

Mr Stewart’s proposal was seconded by Alderman Allan Ewart, who said: “Jobs are on the line here.”

Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, said it was “a disgrace” that the application is being delayed.

He continued: “We spend a lot of money trying to encourage investment and employment so I would urge the planners to bring this back to the next meeting.

“It is most important that these jobs are brought to the city. If we were losing 140 jobs there would be a huge outcry.”

Councillor Jenny Palmer said she was supportive of Next coming to Sprucefield, and added: “I am delighted Next have taken this step to create a massive store in Lisburn. Next have been very loyal to this city.”

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alderman James Tinsley, added that he was “very disappointed” about the delay.

The Senior Planning Officer at the meeting said they would do everything they could to bring the application back before the council in “the earliest possible time.”