Menu
14/05/2012
Lo And Muir Welcome Retail Planning Policy Announcement
Alliance Party Environment Spokesperson Anna Lo MLA and North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir have welcomed the announcement from the Environment Minister Alex Attwood that he intends to introduce a new Retail and Town Centre Planning Policy.
The Alliance representatives have however urged immediate action to ensure edge and out of town retail developments aren't allowed to gradually transform to become much larger developments than originally intended.
The announcement was made in response to an Assembly Question from Anna Lo MLA concerning unchecked growth of edge of town retail developments which can occur to the detriment of Town Centre's across Northern Ireland.
Anna Lo MLA said: "With town centres feeling the effect of the current economic downturn, a balanced growth strategy is essential to ensure the growth of edge and out of town retail developments doesn't occur at the expense of town centres. I welcome the Minister's statement in reply to my Assembly Question but await sight of the detail. In order for the new Policy Planning Statement to have real teeth it needs to be clear, straightforward and have the promotion of our town centres at its heart. Clear, decisive and prompt action is essential to regenerate town centres and ensure a vibrant retail sector.
Cllr Andrew Muir said: "Locally in North Down we have seen Bloomfield Shopping Centre grow from 7,432 square metres net retail floor space when it opened in April 1992 to a rateable area of 34,862 square metres in 2012. The current net retail floor space is unknown by the Department of the Environment to allow easy comparison between now and 1992 and highlights my main concern, namely that the edge of town retail development has been able to balloon as a result of a stream of individual Planning Applications. Whilst I welcome the Minister's commitment to explore how better monitoring can be introduced urgent action is required to ensure more rigorous assessment of the overall impact of individual expansion applications for edge and out of town developments. With Northern Ireland experiencing the highest town centre shop vacancy rate in the UK (14% compared to 11%) the time for action is now.”
(CD/GK)
The Alliance representatives have however urged immediate action to ensure edge and out of town retail developments aren't allowed to gradually transform to become much larger developments than originally intended.
The announcement was made in response to an Assembly Question from Anna Lo MLA concerning unchecked growth of edge of town retail developments which can occur to the detriment of Town Centre's across Northern Ireland.
Anna Lo MLA said: "With town centres feeling the effect of the current economic downturn, a balanced growth strategy is essential to ensure the growth of edge and out of town retail developments doesn't occur at the expense of town centres. I welcome the Minister's statement in reply to my Assembly Question but await sight of the detail. In order for the new Policy Planning Statement to have real teeth it needs to be clear, straightforward and have the promotion of our town centres at its heart. Clear, decisive and prompt action is essential to regenerate town centres and ensure a vibrant retail sector.
Cllr Andrew Muir said: "Locally in North Down we have seen Bloomfield Shopping Centre grow from 7,432 square metres net retail floor space when it opened in April 1992 to a rateable area of 34,862 square metres in 2012. The current net retail floor space is unknown by the Department of the Environment to allow easy comparison between now and 1992 and highlights my main concern, namely that the edge of town retail development has been able to balloon as a result of a stream of individual Planning Applications. Whilst I welcome the Minister's commitment to explore how better monitoring can be introduced urgent action is required to ensure more rigorous assessment of the overall impact of individual expansion applications for edge and out of town developments. With Northern Ireland experiencing the highest town centre shop vacancy rate in the UK (14% compared to 11%) the time for action is now.”
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 April 2024
Ten Arrests Made During PSNI Safer Business Action Day
Ten arrests were made during a PSNI day of action on business crime on Friday, 29 March. The PSNI worked with a number of partners in the business community as part of a Safer Business Action Day.
Ten Arrests Made During PSNI Safer Business Action Day
Ten arrests were made during a PSNI day of action on business crime on Friday, 29 March. The PSNI worked with a number of partners in the business community as part of a Safer Business Action Day.
06 February 2024
Transport Unions Cancel Strike Action For New Pay Offer
NI's new Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has welcomed the news that public transport workers have suspended their next planned strike action on Thursday, 15 February. Unions have announced that the latest strike action has been cancelled to allow ministers to time to prepare improved pay offers.
Transport Unions Cancel Strike Action For New Pay Offer
NI's new Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has welcomed the news that public transport workers have suspended their next planned strike action on Thursday, 15 February. Unions have announced that the latest strike action has been cancelled to allow ministers to time to prepare improved pay offers.
10 April 2024
NI Teaching Unions Formally Accept Pay Offer
Northern Ireland's five main teaching unions has all voted to accept a formal offer fo the years of 2021, 2022 and 2023. The pay settlement agreed by the Teachers' Negotiating Committee (TNC) includes a rise in the starting salary for teachers in Northern Ireland to £30,000. This is a 24.
NI Teaching Unions Formally Accept Pay Offer
Northern Ireland's five main teaching unions has all voted to accept a formal offer fo the years of 2021, 2022 and 2023. The pay settlement agreed by the Teachers' Negotiating Committee (TNC) includes a rise in the starting salary for teachers in Northern Ireland to £30,000. This is a 24.
10 April 2024
Other News In Brief
UU Magee Taskforce Holds First Official Meeting A new taskforce formed to oversee the expansion of the student base of Ulster University's L'Derry campus has held its first official meeting.
Other News In Brief
UU Magee Taskforce Holds First Official Meeting A new taskforce formed to oversee the expansion of the student base of Ulster University's L'Derry campus has held its first official meeting.
27 March 2024
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
Infrastructure Minister Holds Meeting With Disability Action
Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, has met with representatives of Disability Action to discuss issues of accessibility and inclusion in transport and travel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
