As reported yesterday on Build Ireland News, revised plans for a John Lewis store at Sprucefield have reduced the size of the overall scheme.

Joint venture partners Westfield and Snoddon Developments submitted the fresh planning application to Lisburn City Council yesterday.

The revamped proposals have seen the number of auxiliary shops based at the complex slashed, from 29 to 19.

It has been suggested the project could stimulate around 2,000 new jobs in the Province, including many much-needed opportunities in the construction sector.

John Lewis would create around 700 full time jobs alone.

The developers said they expected the scaled-down plans, which now stretch over 50,000 square metres, to overcome objections from concerned retail groups.

Westfield has described the scheme as a "vibrant mix" of fashion, cafes and restaurants, with no supermarket incorporated.

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It is now expected the next stage of the planning process will involve a public inquiry.

John Lewis Development Director, Gareth Thomas, said the £40m investment by his company is backed by "robust research".

Mr Thomas said the research suggested Sprucefield was "the only location in Northern Ireland capable of supporting a full range John Lewis department store and from which we can run a long-term".

He said John Lewis hopes the amended plans would put the project "back on track".

Head of Developments at Westfield, Steven Hassel, said he wants a public inquiry to be held as soon as possible.

Mr Hassel added: "This project has been subject to serious delay. We believe that a public inquiry should be held as soon as possible so that the community and economy can benefit from the enhanced retail offer provided by the scheme."

Snoddon Construction has also called on the planning process to be progressed quickly.

Initial proposals for the Sprucefield scheme were lodged and approved four years ago.

However, the then minister Lord Rooker's decision was overturned at a judicial review.

Retailers in Belfast, Lisburn, Banbridge and Craigavon voiced strong opposition to the plans.

The pressure groups said they did not oppose a John Lewis outlet, rather the size of the development and the number of subsequent stores associated with the project.

See: 'Scaled Down' John Lewis Sprucefield Plans To Be Sumitted

(PR/JM)