08/04/2014

Planning Permission Granted For Newtownabbey Retail Development

Planning approval has been granted for three new retails units at Abbeycentre, in Newtownabbey.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan announced the approval, which will see approximately 10,000sqm metres of commercial and retail floorspace created.

The first scheme is an extension to the existing Abbeycentre Shopping Centre totalling 3,872sqm of floorspace. The development will incorporate the amalgamation of 4 existing units with an extension to create a new retail unit of a size and specification which fits current retailer demand.

And at the Abbey Retail Park a redevelopment scheme seeks to replace two existing retails units to make way for the construction of four new retail units of approx. 4,500 sqm floorspace.

It is planned to redevelop part of a vacant site to construct four restaurant/coffee shops totalling approx. 1200sqm. The vacant site previously housed Petworld, Samuel Johnston Ltd, and Budget DIY all of which have been demolished.

Mark H. Durkan said: "This is a real boost for Newtownabbey. These approvals are to be welcomed as they regenerate previously developed sites and assist the expansion of existing shopping centres which will also bring construction jobs in the short term.

"These decisions are evidence of my determination to clear the backlog of planning applications and provide a planning system that can deliver."

DOE Planning consulted with Newtownabbey Borough Council at its meeting on 7 April 2014 who raised no objections to the proposal.

(MH)

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