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14/05/2012
Lo And Muir Welcome Retail Planning Policy Announcement
Alliance Party Environment Spokesperson Anna Lo MLA and North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir have welcomed the announcement from the Environment Minister Alex Attwood that he intends to introduce a new Retail and Town Centre Planning Policy.
The Alliance representatives have however urged immediate action to ensure edge and out of town retail developments aren't allowed to gradually transform to become much larger developments than originally intended.
The announcement was made in response to an Assembly Question from Anna Lo MLA concerning unchecked growth of edge of town retail developments which can occur to the detriment of Town Centre's across Northern Ireland.
Anna Lo MLA said: "With town centres feeling the effect of the current economic downturn, a balanced growth strategy is essential to ensure the growth of edge and out of town retail developments doesn't occur at the expense of town centres. I welcome the Minister's statement in reply to my Assembly Question but await sight of the detail. In order for the new Policy Planning Statement to have real teeth it needs to be clear, straightforward and have the promotion of our town centres at its heart. Clear, decisive and prompt action is essential to regenerate town centres and ensure a vibrant retail sector.
Cllr Andrew Muir said: "Locally in North Down we have seen Bloomfield Shopping Centre grow from 7,432 square metres net retail floor space when it opened in April 1992 to a rateable area of 34,862 square metres in 2012. The current net retail floor space is unknown by the Department of the Environment to allow easy comparison between now and 1992 and highlights my main concern, namely that the edge of town retail development has been able to balloon as a result of a stream of individual Planning Applications. Whilst I welcome the Minister's commitment to explore how better monitoring can be introduced urgent action is required to ensure more rigorous assessment of the overall impact of individual expansion applications for edge and out of town developments. With Northern Ireland experiencing the highest town centre shop vacancy rate in the UK (14% compared to 11%) the time for action is now.”
(CD/GK)
The Alliance representatives have however urged immediate action to ensure edge and out of town retail developments aren't allowed to gradually transform to become much larger developments than originally intended.
The announcement was made in response to an Assembly Question from Anna Lo MLA concerning unchecked growth of edge of town retail developments which can occur to the detriment of Town Centre's across Northern Ireland.
Anna Lo MLA said: "With town centres feeling the effect of the current economic downturn, a balanced growth strategy is essential to ensure the growth of edge and out of town retail developments doesn't occur at the expense of town centres. I welcome the Minister's statement in reply to my Assembly Question but await sight of the detail. In order for the new Policy Planning Statement to have real teeth it needs to be clear, straightforward and have the promotion of our town centres at its heart. Clear, decisive and prompt action is essential to regenerate town centres and ensure a vibrant retail sector.
Cllr Andrew Muir said: "Locally in North Down we have seen Bloomfield Shopping Centre grow from 7,432 square metres net retail floor space when it opened in April 1992 to a rateable area of 34,862 square metres in 2012. The current net retail floor space is unknown by the Department of the Environment to allow easy comparison between now and 1992 and highlights my main concern, namely that the edge of town retail development has been able to balloon as a result of a stream of individual Planning Applications. Whilst I welcome the Minister's commitment to explore how better monitoring can be introduced urgent action is required to ensure more rigorous assessment of the overall impact of individual expansion applications for edge and out of town developments. With Northern Ireland experiencing the highest town centre shop vacancy rate in the UK (14% compared to 11%) the time for action is now.”
(CD/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
