Melmorebusiness park site awaits approval

Trade Minister Arlene Foster was asked to provide a timescale for the completion of the acquisition of 11.5 hectares of land at Melmount Road, Strabane, for the development of a business park by way of a written question at the Stormont Assembly.

She explained that in order to address the lack of available industrial land in the Strabane area Invest NI was progressing a strategic project to acquire new land.

“In August 2009 the agency submitted two planning applications (full and outline) seeking approval for the development of a new business park in the district,” she commented.

“A c44 acres gross site at Melmount Road has been identified as the preferred location, its acquisition, however, is dependent upon Invest NI achieving acceptable planning approval and expiry of the statutory juridical review period for the proposed development,” the Minister added.

She advised Invest NI had engaged with both planning service and other key stakeholders through a pre-application discussion process before submitting the planning applications.

“Invest NI is hopeful that this engagement will assist Planning Service with its consultation process and enable an early decision to be provided. Invest NI will continue to work with Planning Service, the council and key stakeholders to achieve a successful outcome,” Mrs foster advised.