The Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) Project has called for a decision for a retail-only development in north Belfast to be reversed.

Belfast City Council's Planning Committee recently approved proposals for the development to be located on the Hillview site.

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Caral Ni Chuilin supported the call.

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She said: "The proposed development does absolutely nothing to address the varied and complex needs of this deprived north Belfast community including housing and so many are rightfully aghast as to why it was approved.

"PPR have now made a number of very serious claims as to how this occurred and have called the Chief Executive of the Council to initiate an independent inquiry.

"Sinn Féin fully supports that call. These allegations need to be properly investigated and we will continue to work alongside campaigners, local residents, traders and other parties to ensure that happens."

(CD/MH)