Environment Minister Alex Attwood today refused planning permission for a food superstore on a site at Belfast Road, Ballynahinch.

The application proposed the re-development of an out-of-centre site involving the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a 3,175 sqm food superstore.

This is another 'Article 31' (major planning application), one in an ongoing series of large planning announcements being made by the Minister.

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Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "After careful consideration and interrogation of all of the issues I have decided to refuse this application.

"The retail impact of this proposal would be too great on the long term future of Ballynahinch Town Centre which is critical to the health and vitality of the town as a whole. It is clearly contrary to Planning Policy Statement 5 Retailing and Town Centres and is therefore unacceptable.

"I am constantly seeking to identify job opportunities but these must be sustainable and not at the cost of town centre traders."

This application has been in the planning system since 2007. It was agreed in August 2010 that the application undetermined, would be held until the applicant/landowner was able to bring forward a new and acceptable scheme for the site through discussions with planning officials.

(CD)