HC Deb 25 October 1995 vol 264 c662W
Mr. Hunter

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances planning applications for new shopping developments will be referred to local public inquiries. [38351]

Mr. Moss

Where a planning application for a new shopping development is classified as of major importance, as defined in article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland may call a public inquiry to consider valid planning representations about, and objections to, the proposal. The principal matters which the Department takes into account in forming a judgement as to whether to call an inquiry are:

  1. (i) the provisions of the development plan and relevant planning policies;
  2. (ii) decisions on previous planning applications relevant to the site in question;
  3. (iii) the nature and validity of the representations and objections; and
  4. (iv) the views of the district council as to whether an inquiry would be appropriate.