en.Wedoany.com Reported - Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has approved planning permission for a new supermarket in Derry-Londonderry, subject to several planning conditions. This decision concludes a five-year planning process. Lidl has been confirmed as the final operator.

The Minister made the decision after the Department for Infrastructure convened a review of this major application in September 2021 under Section 29 of the Planning (NI) Act 2011. Kimmins stated that the application received cross-party support at the parliamentary level, with elected representatives voicing the concerns of their constituents, a factor she gave considerable weight in her deliberations. Additionally, the project will bring wide-ranging socio-economic benefits, including the creation of 70 jobs during construction, 35 full-time and part-time positions upon store opening, and increased shopping options for residents without cars or access to public transport.

Kimmins added that each decision is made on a case-by-case basis. In this instance, she assigned significant substantive weight to the following factors: the socio-economic benefits of job creation in the Waterside area, increased shopping choices for low-income households, investment in the local community, and strong support from elected representatives and community groups. She also recognized the importance of protecting allocated residential land, adhering to the "town centre first" policy, and maintaining confidence in the planning-led system. The notice of the planning approval decision has been sent to Derry City and Strabane District Council and the applicant.

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