Dodds rejects PAC misgivings over Victoria Square

Social Development Minister, Nigel Dodds has rejected Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) concerns over the Victoria Square Development Scheme, saying that he is "minded to adopt it".

Mr Dodds made his comments following the release of the development’s 'Interim Decision Statement' today, which responds to objections raised by a PAC inquiry which recommended that the Development Scheme should not be adopted and the vesting order should not be made.

In its findings the Commission had a number of objections concerning the Development Scheme, considering that the adoption of the scheme in advance of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (due to be published in draft in March 2003) “…would prejudice proper consideration of the various alternative ways of meeting the retail demand needs of the city centre”.

The Commission also felt that the development scheme procedures provided "an inappropriate statutory tool" to alter strategic development proposals and policies beyond the area of the Development Scheme. In its interim report, the DSD rejected this.

The proposed DSD investment of up to £250 million is anticipated to see a return in the form of 3,000 permanent jobs together with 3,000 construction jobs, the department says. In addition, it has the potential to produce an estimated £5.5 million in rates income for the City.

Mr Dodds said: “It is clear that Victoria Square is in need of regeneration. Regeneration is not about helping areas which are strong, it is about helping areas which are run down. The Development Scheme provides the framework to deliver a visionary change to the retail landscape of Belfast, increase choice and strengthen the viability of the city centre.

"Having considered all the relevant issues in detail, my Department is minded to adopt the Development Scheme with amendments because it is considered expedient to do so in the public interest."

However, Mr Dodds stressed that the scheme would need to be amended before it could proceed.

Pressure had been mounting from retail giant the House of Fraser for a decision on the fate of the development. It announced earlier this week that it would come in as anchor tenant on the development and create 500 jobs in its store – which could be ready to open in 2006.

The decision has been deferred for 28 days to allow interested parties to express any views on the interim decision.

(GMcG)