Re-think on planning process required as Derry planning application withdrawn

The decision to withdraw a planning application for an expansion of the Marks & Spencer Foodhall and resizing of the Homebase store at Crescent Link Retail Park has been criticised by DUP MLA Gary Middleton.

Mr Middleton has said the decision to withdraw the planning application must prompt a re-think about the planning process. 

He said: “This is an application that has been in process for several years now and the impact of planning delays on its withdrawal cannot be ignored. 

“The proposed development would not only have improved the retail offer in the area, but would have created up to 110 new jobs and boosted the local economy through a £5million investment.

“There are often complaints about a lack of investment in the North West yet the Council has presided over the delays and eventual withdrawal of this application.

“This is not the first application which has been withdrawn, but it must prompt a re-think of the planning process. Applications like this which are not significant on an NI-wide level are in local hands yet people seeking to bring jobs and investment to the area face frustration at every turn.

“That is now going to serve as a warning to others who are looking at potential locations for investment.”