Minister Kimmins issues Notice of Opinion to grant planning permission for a new supermarket at Crescent Link, Derry
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins has announced her decision to approve planning permission for a new supermarket at Cresent Link, Derry, subject to a number of planning conditions.
Lidl has been identified as the end operator.
The Minister made her opinion known today following a call in of this major application by the Department in September 2021 under section 29 of the Planning (NI) Act 2011.
Minister Kimmins said:
“I have taken time to fully consider this application in order to reach a carefully balanced decision.
“I note the application has received cross-party support at Council level, which must be given considerable weight in my consideration as elected representatives are the voice of their constituents.
“There will also be wider social and economic benefits including the creation of 70 jobs during construction and 35 full and part-time jobs when the store opens, as well as providing more choice for those who don’t have access to a car or public transport.
“On balance, I acknowledge the importance of protecting zoned housing land, the town-centre first policy and maintaining confidence in the plan-led system. Each decision is taken on its own merits and on a case-by-case basis. In this case, I have attached significant material weight to the social and economic benefits of job creation in the Waterside area, greater shopping choices for low-income families, investment in the local community and strong support from elected representatives and community groups.
With all of this in mind, it is therefore my decision to approve the application."
A Notice of Opinion to approve the planning application will issue to the local Council (Derry City and Strabane District Council) and the applicant.
Notes to editors:
- Details of the application:
- Proposal: Erection of a supermarket, associated car park, and amended access of approval A/2004/0897/F. Landscaping and site works. (Amended location plan, plans, additional information and Addendum to Retail Impact Assessment)
- Planning reference LA11/2019/0263/F.
- The Department “called in” the application in September 2021 after Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) Planning Committee resolved to approve the application on 06 January 2021 having placed determining weight on the economic investment and job creation and that the development would be a major asset to the Waterside area of the city, which was contrary to the advice of its planning officials.
- A Notice of Opinion to approve the planning application will issue to the local Council (Derry City and Strabane District Council) and the applicant. There is a right to a hearing before the Planning Appeals Commission or a person appointed by the Department should either the Council or the applicant disagree with the Department’s opinion.
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