THE news that Dobbie's application has been approved has been welcomed by local politicans - but there has been criticism of the length of time it has taken.
An artist's impression of what the proposed Dobbies Garden World centre at Strawberry Hill, close to the M1 junction at Saintfield Road, will look like when it is built
Councillor Jonathan Craig, who was Mayor when Dobbies first lodged its application, said the approval was "long, long overdue".
"It is incredible Planning Service have taken so long to deliver for Lisburn. Far too long. No doubt this will be an issue facing the new Minister Edwin Poots as he seeks to bet quicker planning application turnarounds."
The new Environment Minister Alderman Edwin Poots, said he welcomed his predecessor's decision. He commented: "It is much better that the decision is made as previously I was an advocate and it would have been difficullt for me to give the go ahead under the same circumstances.This application has been in place for a considerable time. It will bring something new not just to Lisburn but to Northern Ireland."
Mr Poots cointinued: "It will also provide opportunities for local business. The company have been looking for local sources to supply quality goods and this may well open the door to supply goods into other Dobbies' outlets."
The Minister also paid tribute to Sammy Wilson for his decision to send the Sprucefield application to the Planning Appeal Commision for a public enquiry. "This was what was required by the applicant in order to bring the matter to a conclusion and I welcome the fact he was responsive to the needs of the community."
Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said he had visited the Dobbies centre in Edinburgh and saw first hand 'the high quality facilities they offer'.
"The educational resources on offer will encourage children and help them take an interest in the environment" he said.
MLA Trevor Lunn said the garden centre will be a "real boost for Lisburn".
"I applaud the Minister's decision. This centre will be a tremendous asset to Lisburn and the wider area" he said.
"Dobbies will provide an interesting and varied facility, far beyond just a garden centre. In England, people come to these centres for a day out and children will be well catered for in this new development with the sensory labyrinth and explorer centre.
"Planning Service took an eternity over this application and I am delighted that Minister Wilson has in his last few days in office overturned their decision to refuse it."
jenny.monroe@ulsterstar.co.uk
