The Chair of LCCC’s Regeneration and Growth Committee, Councillor John Laverty, has expressed ‘extreme disappointment’ at a decision by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to refuse planning permission for a mixed-use development on lands at Blaris.

Planning approval for the £250million Blaris area construction and a privately built link road was granted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in March 2021.

He said, “The development at Blaris represents a £16 million investment in road infrastructure which would unlock wider strategic investment in the local and regional economy.

“The proposal includes plans for 1300 dwellings and 754,000 square feet of commercial floor space as well as the M1 to Knockmore link road, riverside parkland and ancillary works.

“Having received correspondence from DfI’s Planning Group today (16 August), confirming it had issued a ‘notice of opinion’ to refuse planning permission for this development, elected members will now take time to consider its contents and our next steps.”