THE Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has expressed concernxa0thatxa0the proposed ‘Economic Zone’ amendmentsxa0to the Planning Bill being put forward in the Assembly on Monday (24 June) could be used to push through more unsustainable out-of-town superstore developments to the detriment of Town Centres.
Glyn Roberts NIIRTA Chief Executive said:xa0“NIIRTA is not opposed to planning applications which have a sustainable economic benefit to be givenxa0specialxa0consideration – but notxa0atxa0the expense of town centres or independentxa0retailers.
[caption id="attachment_34929" align="alignleft" width="240"]
Glynn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive, is concerned at new planning regulations being used to allow out-of-town shopping developments to progress more freely.[/caption]“We have real concerns that these amendments could be used to steamroll more unsustainable out of town superstore applications which will further damage our already struggling town and city centres.
“Whilexa0not the sole reason,xa0unrestricted out-of-town retail developmentxa0in recent yearsxa0is a major factor in Northern Ireland having double the UK national average of town centre shop vacancies. More out of town retail development is the very last thingxa0our town centresxa0needs at this time.”
“All the independent evidence shows that out of townxa0superstores doxa0not create any long term jobs but in fact leads to a net loss ofxa0existing retail jobs, the closure of local shops and town centre dereliction.
“We are also concerned that no apparent consultation has taken place on these amendments and would urge that they are withdrawn and for immediate discussions with key stakeholders to take place,” xa0added Mr Roberts.
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