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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what his policy is on the proposal for a John Lewis store and associated development at Sprucefield; [210610] (2) what plans he has for public consultation on the proposal for a John Lewis store at Sprucefield. [210939] Angela Smith: Proposals for any retail development at Sprucefield must be judged against policies contained in the Regional Development Strategy, the current statutory development plan [Lisburn Area Plan 2001], the recently-published Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (BMAP) and relevant Planning Policy Statements, in particular PPS5--retailing and Town Centres--a key objective of which is to sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of town centres. Public consultation on the proposed development has been on-going for some time with the published notices in the local press in respect of the planning application and supporting documentation. The applicants are preparing further information requested by the Department and on receipt of this information a further public advertisement will be placed in the local press. Third parties will have at least 28 days to respond. As the application is being dealt with under the special procedures set out in Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, the Department can ask the Planning Appeals Commission to hold a public inquiry if this is considered appropriate. No decision on a public inquiry has been taken at this stage.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

430 c419-20W; 210610;210939

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Planning John Lewis Partnership Lisburn

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk