Uncertain future for Lewis

The inquiry, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, was put off again after a court challenge by opponents of the scheme. During the hearing the judge decided to report comments made on BBC's Nolan Show about the situation by Environment Minister Edwin Poots to the Attorney General for investigation for possible contempt of court.

It led to the Planning Appeals Commission cancelling the public inquiry 'until further notice'.

It also led Mr Poots, who would have the final say in any planning decision, to seek advice on any way he could stand aside from the decision making process.

But DUP assembly member Paul Givan said he believed that whilst it was "frustrating" to have the public inquiry on hold once again, the current legal action may prove helpful in the long run.

Mr Givan said: "A lot of what has happened is useful. The objectors were always going to argue a case of bias.

"Before Edwin Poots was Minister he was a vocal supporter of the application, so the objectors were always going to argue the case of bias. Ultimately this will help ensure the final decision, when it is taken and should it be approval, is a sound and robust decision that cannot be challenged.

"This has flushed that particular issue out now and whilst we are frustrated the public inquiry has not gone ahead, an issue which would always have been brought up will be addressed now."

Mr Givan also said he didn't feel the judical review would ultimately impact on the John Lewis application's place at head of the queue for a public inquiry, despite fears having been raised that inquiries into applications such as the extension to the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport and a major development in Newtownards, would now be heard ahead of the Sprucefield development.

"Ultimately, it is up to the Planning Service to dictate the priority and that remains the case," said Mr Givan. "Sprucefield still remains the first priority, but we do have to wait on the courts."

He added that he was "sad" that the public inquiry, which had been sought by the objectors, has been delayed. However, he said, "That is the legal system."

Mr Givan also said it was an issue which would have to be looked at, saying: "That's something we need to address; how the judicial system can be used to delay the planning process. If there is a problem with the legislation that judges have to work with, then it's for politicians to deal with and that is something to be taken forward in the Assembly."