Northern Ireland Environment Minister Arlene Foster has intervened in a planning dispute to consider submissions made against a proposed business park in Co Tyrone.

Plans to build offices and community rooms on woodland on the outskirts of Pomeroy have been opposed by a local campaign group with the backing of unionist politicians, who claim that alternative sites exist that would avoid any woodland loss.

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A decision was expected at a meeting of Cookstown District Council this week but is to be held back by planners so that Ms Foster can consider a number of concerns.

The Minister deemed it "prudent" to take the plans off schedule to consider the objections raised by several assembly members and Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister.

Pomeroy Community Projects believes the application for planning is essential in the promotion of cross-community work and to encourage business in the village.

(VB)