15/04/2003

Victoria Square receives planning go ahead

Planning approval for the £250 million Victoria Square retail development centre in Belfast has been granted.

The proposal is for 500,000 sq ft of retail space that will include offices, leisure, catering, residential and civic and cultural activities supported by associated servicing facilities and underground car parking.

Commenting on the decision, NIO Minister Angela Smith said: “In my opinion it is appropriate to approve this major city centre retail-led planning application on behalf of Multi Development Corporation.

“In reaching my decision, I have taken into consideration the Regional Development Strategy, the Belfast Urban Area Plan and relevant Planning Policy Statements on retailing and conservation. I have also considered the various representations made in respect of the proposal.”

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 January 2018
Belfast City Council To Reform Planning Services
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation with a number of stakeholder groups.
30 November 2010
'Super Councils' To Make Planning Decisions
News that Northern Ireland's councils will soon be taking full responsibility for drawing up their own development plans and also making the vast majority of planning decisions has been revealed. The move is part of an overall reform of local government, which - despite obvious delays in implementation - "is moving forward apace".
11 January 2013
Planning Restrictions Threaten John Lewis Development
New planning restrictions may have dealt a final blow to a long-running proposal to develop a John Lewis store at the Sprucefield shopping centre, despite claims from the Environment Minister they are not prejudicial to the development.
25 January 2011
Beleaguered Builders Await Planning Solutions
Building activity and those behind commercial developments are being stymied right across NI because of delays in the planning approval stages.
01 February 2010
'Flawed' Planning Process Criticised
Judgement in a case that will have far-reaching implications for the planning process in NI is not expected to be delivered until a later date.