DATE: 28 Mar 2006
Girvan J. in the High Court in Belfast has heard over 6 days (ending 4 April) judicial reviews of Lord Rooker’s decision to permit a major retail development including a John Lewis department store, and 29 other retail units, at the Sprucefield Regional Centre near Lisburn. 4 groups of applicants challenged the notice of opinion under Article 31 of the NI Planning Order and the subsequent grant of permission.
The challenges raise a series of issues including state aid, EIA, various failures to apply policy and take account relevant consideration, and an allegation of failure to consider material changes in circumstances between the notice of opinion in June 2005 and the grant of permission in february 2006.
David Elvin QC acted for DOE NI and the Planning Service and Christopher Lockhart-Mummery QC acted for the developer, the Notice Party, together with counsel from the NI Bar.
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/business/Rooker-yes-to-John-Lewis.1407319.jp
