Concern over Lidl approval

Commenting after the news that the Planning Appeals Commission announced that the Lidl store had received planning approval, Mr Craig stated: “Having read the report, I am astonished that this site has received planning permission considering the clear contradictions in the report and the impact that will clearly have in other retail outlets in our city.

“When one reads the report, it is even more alarming to see as to how they came up with these assessments. When considering the viability of businesses in Lisburn city centre, the report states that they walked up the centre of Lisburn and decided that, in their opinion, it was a vibrant shopping centre because people were out shopping. This is an astonishing admission by them of how their alleged technical assessment was carried out,” he continued.

“I along with the local residents are left wondering why there is no consideration within their report regarding the opening of yet another access onto the Prince William Road which was supposed to be a protected route. This approval will have a major impact for the residents and the many commuters that use this area as this will undoubtedly lead to further traffic congestion in an area that is renowned for having major traffic problems during peak time,” he concluded.