Poots approves £25m shopping plan

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Environment Minister Edwin Poots has given planning approval for a £25m redevelopment of a shopping complex on the outskirts of west Belfast.

The 15,000 sq m proposal for the Dairy Farm Centre on the Stewartstown Road is expected to generate 200 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs.

The minister said the development would boost an area where employment opportunities were "much-needed".

The proposal was put forward by J P Properties Ltd.

John McIlhone from the company described the planning decision as "excellent news" which would have an immediate impact on job creation.

Under the plans, which are expected to take two years to complete, a brand new retail outlet will be constructed, including a food superstore, retail units, offices and a petrol station.

There will also be a gym and the existing library will be retained.

Centre manager Sean Toal said the approval was the "beginning of an exciting new future".

The application was submitted in June 2009 and Mr Poots said that his swift approval showed "the benefits to developers and the wider community of pre-application discussion".

The minister's decision has been welcomed by West Belfast MP Gerry Adams.

"Given recent economic hardship, these proposals are coming forward at a good time for local construction workers and the local community," he said.

SDLP Lagan Valley Westminster candidate Brian Heading described the decision as "fantastic news" which would transform the area.