NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has rejected proposals to build a new supermarket in Lisburn, Co Antrim.

The application, lodged in 2009 by Wildrose (Magheralave) Ltd, was widely expected to fail.

Supermarket giant Asda was touted as the likely tenant for the development near the Lisburn North feeder road, although this was not confirmed.

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Mr Poots said he agreed with a Planning Service rejection of the plan.

The proposed store would have been one of the largest food superstores in Northern Ireland.

However, the scheme appeared doomed from the start, with around 300 objections being lodged – including one from Lisburn City Council.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association said the refusal of the application was "good news for Lisburn city centre", while the DUP has also welcomed the decision.

(NS/GK)