The new £10 million Graham construction headquarters in Hillsborough was given the go-ahead thanks to the Planning Service's new Strategic Projects Unit (SPU), according to Environment Minister Arlene Foster.

She praised the work of the SPU, which processed the major planning application for the Graham development, within just six months.

The Minister said: "Last year I put into motion a number of measures to help reform the planning system, one of these being the development of a new Strategic Projects Unit.

"This unit helps provide priority processing for significant planning applications - in particular, those relating to economic development and infrastructure.

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"We are now beginning to see the positive outcomes of this work, with this latest significant application being processed by the Strategic Projects Unit within just six months. This demonstrates how the planning system can provide prompt, clear and predictable outcomes for developers and create a confidence for investors in Northern Ireland."

The Minister said this achievement was an indication of how the planning reform measures her department are putting in place will help deliver the Executive's overarching aim of building a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland.

The Graham application was received by Strategic Projects Unit in September 2007 and the decision notice issued on 14 March 2008.

Planning permission was for part redevelopment of existing storage, distribution and maintenance depot to include for new ancillary office accommodation, service building, sub-station, retaining wall, new gates and associated car parking and landscaping at lands at the former Kemira Site, Ballygowan Road, Hillsborough.

The planning application was supported by Lisburn City Council.

(VB/JM)