Trevor Lunn MLA said: “The city of Lisburn and John Lewis have had to put up with unnecessary delays in this process already. The planners must get on with it and I am glad a date for the inquiry is now set. Planning delays send out a very negative message to companies seeking to invest in Northern Ireland, and I know the Minister is seeking to address this problem.
“This could be a very lucrative opportunity for our city and could create many construction and retail jobs. The people of Lisburn deserve better than delays. My message to the planners and everyone else is get on with this inquiry and don’t jeopardise this potentially great opportunity for Lisburn.”