This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7896689.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Inquiry to probe Sprucefield plan Inquiry to probe Sprucefield plan
(10 minutes later)
A public inquiry is to examine a planning application which includes a major John Lewis department store outside Lisburn.A public inquiry is to examine a planning application which includes a major John Lewis department store outside Lisburn.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson made the announcement on Wednesday.Environment Minister Sammy Wilson made the announcement on Wednesday.
The owners of a retail centre at Sprucefield have been trying to get approval for the store and associated retail units since 2004.The owners of a retail centre at Sprucefield have been trying to get approval for the store and associated retail units since 2004.
However, the project, which is expected to cost £150m, has repeatedly been blocked by legal actions.However, the project, which is expected to cost £150m, has repeatedly been blocked by legal actions.
A re-drafted planning application was submitted almost six months ago.A re-drafted planning application was submitted almost six months ago.
"I have considered the options available to me and I am satisfied that the best way forward is through the public inquiry procedure," said Mr Wilson.
"In making this decision I am conscious of the importance of new inward investment and the potential for employment associated with the proposal, particularly in the current economic climate.
"I will therefore be asking the Planning Appeals Commission to give this matter a high priority."
The developers had themselves taken the unusual step of requesting a public inquiry be held into the application.The developers had themselves taken the unusual step of requesting a public inquiry be held into the application.
'Open forum'
"It is understood the John Lewis chain feels this would ensure any outstanding objections could be dealt with in an open forum in line with planning policy," said BBC NI business correspondent Kevin Magee."It is understood the John Lewis chain feels this would ensure any outstanding objections could be dealt with in an open forum in line with planning policy," said BBC NI business correspondent Kevin Magee.
"According to the developers the proposed development, if given the go-ahead, would cost £150m to build and generate a total of 2,000 new jobs - including 700 of them in John Lewis and more than 500 during the construction phase."According to the developers the proposed development, if given the go-ahead, would cost £150m to build and generate a total of 2,000 new jobs - including 700 of them in John Lewis and more than 500 during the construction phase.
The proposed development has been opposed by traders in Lisburn, Belfast, Banbridge and Craigavon.The proposed development has been opposed by traders in Lisburn, Belfast, Banbridge and Craigavon.