Omagh Site Regeneration Approved

Planning permission has been granted to regenerate the former Scotts Mill site at Mountjoy Road in Omagh.

The permission was granted by Environment Minister Alex Attwood, in a £25m investment which will see a new 6400 sq metre food supermarket, petrol filling station and onsite parking at the former mill site.

Minister Attwood said: “This is a boost for Omagh. The development of the new food store will sustain and enhance Omagh town centre. A more vibrant town centre will provide increased shopping opportunities that will be welcomed by shoppers, traders and visitors.

"Revitalising this currently vacant mill site will also create construction jobs in the short term, other jobs in the longer term. As Environment Minister I not only want to protect the environment, but also do everything I can to create jobs and develop the economy.

"I am determined to make decisions swiftly with all planning applications under consideration in my Department and particularly decisions where job opportunities are at stake. However this is only after giving careful consideration to the individual merits of each case."

Mr Attwood added: "I have said that as future planning policy develops, it needs to be reconfigured to favour our town centres. Retail opportunities in city and town centres, helping town centres trade through difficult times and recognising the impact of out of town retail, needs to be part of the new story of retail planning in Northern Ireland."

The Department is currently consulting Omagh District Council on its opinion to approve this significant application.

(IT)