'I have taken time to fully consider this application': Green light for £8m Lidl store in Londonderry after six-year planning battle
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has approved the long-delayed Crescent Link development, paving the way for 35 jobs and a major new supermarket in the Waterside
A new Lidl supermarket has been given the green light for Londonderry’s Crescent Link after spending more than six years in the planning system and overcoming a previous recommendation for refusal.
The £8 million development, which is expected to create 70 jobs during construction and 35 full and part-time positions once operational, has been approved by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins following a lengthy planning process.
The application was originally approved by councillors on Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee in January 2021, despite planning officers recommending refusal due to concerns over the site's designation as committed housing land within the Derry Area Plan.
However, the proposal was subsequently called in by the Department for Infrastructure in September 2021 under Section 29 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Act 2011, allowing the department to make the final determination.
Announcing her decision, Ms Kimmins said she had taken time to “fully consider” the application in order to reach a “carefully balanced decision”.
Minister Kimmins said: “I have taken time to fully consider this application in order to reach a carefully balanced decision.
“I note the application has received cross-party support at Council level, which must be given considerable weight in my consideration as elected representatives are the voice of their constituents.
“There will also be wider social and economic benefits including the creation of 70 jobs during construction and 35 full and part-time jobs when the store opens, as well as providing more choice for those who don’t have access to a car or public transport.”
The minister acknowledged concerns surrounding the loss of land zoned for housing, as well as planning policies aimed at protecting town centres and maintaining confidence in the plan-led system.
She added: “On balance, I acknowledge the importance of protecting zoned housing land, the town-centre first policy and maintaining confidence in the plan-led system. Each decision is taken on its own merits and on a case-by-case basis. In this case, I have attached significant material weight to the social and economic benefits of job creation in the Waterside area, greater shopping choices for low-income families, investment in the local community and strong support from elected representatives and community groups.
“With all of this in mind, it is therefore my decision to approve the application."
A Notice of Opinion to approve the application will now be issued to Derry City and Strabane District Council and the applicant, subject to a number of planning conditions.