Retail NI remains opposed to Monkstown Asda proposal

Speaking after a pre-determination hearing on Thursday, Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said it is “the last thing that struggling retailers need”.

The hearing took place ahead of a decision to be taken by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on a new Asda branch at Monkstown Industrial Estate.

Plans for the new supermarket were dramatically halted after the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) served a direction order with the effect the council could not proceed to grant planning permission until further advised by DfI.

DfI has since reverted the decision back to the council.

The supermarket chain  is seeking planning permission for demolition of the former Nortel factory which closed in 2009 and construction of a new 70,000 sq ft food store, filling station and car park at Doagh Road through a £17.5m investment.

Access from Doagh Road would be facilitated by new roundabout to replace Doagh Road and Monkstown Road junction.

The company has indicated the development would lead to the creation of 100 construction jobs and 258 full-time posts in-store, generating £4.37m in salaries.

Planning approval has been recommended for the development. The long-running application was submitted to the borough council in September 2018.

Retail NI has urged councillors to speak on behalf of local retailers.

Mr Roberts added: “It is unbelievable that the council is even considering this. We believe it is in clear breach of planning policy.”

Fifteen letters of support have been received from local residents and a letter of support has been received from East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson.  There were three letters of objection from retail businesses. Tesco is among objectors.

According to a planning  report presented to councillors previously, a retail audit carried out by Nexus Planning on behalf of the council concluded the “catchment area identified is both realistic and proportionate for the development proposed”.

Planning officers anticipate the application will be returned to committee for determination early in the new year.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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