Lunn says clearer guidance needed to avoid future disputes over goods restrictions

The Court ruled policies within the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) relating to the bulky goods restriction at the shopping complex should not be taken into account in any future planning decisions.

“I welcome the apparent resolution of a long-standing dispute over this matter,” said Mr Lunn.

“However, this should not have reached this situation in the first place. It is obvious clearer policy is needed in this area to avoid similar disputes in future. While this matter has been back and forth, there is damage being done to our economy, both locally and regionally.

“This decision, if it leads to a John Lewis development at Sprucefield, has the potential to create a significant amount of jobs in the wider Lisburn area as well, which is of course to be welcomed.

“But Ministers need to take decisions in a robust and transparent manner, which has not been the hallmark of this Executive, or else we will just end up back in similar circumstances once again.”