Gransha hotel and store may prompt inquiry

Leona Maginn of the DoE Strategic Planning Division has written to Derry City Council advising that under Article 31 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 the huge Caw development was designated as one of major importance to the area.

If permitted it would involve a substantial departure from the development plan for the area to which it relates; it would affect the whole of the neighbourhood; and it would consist of or include the construction, formation, laying out or alteration of a means of access to a trunk road.

Back in May the Sentinel reported how Caw Properties Ltd. had applied for permission to build the “food superstore and 100 bed hotel with associated access (including a new roundabout on Gransha Park) and carparking/servicing arrangements, landscaping and general site works (with attenuation pond) at the Gransha junction of the Madam’s Bank Road (Foyle Bridge) and the Clooney Road.”

But Ms Maginn advised Council that “before the application is determined the Department will either cause a public local inquiry to be held before the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) or issue to the applicant a Notice of Opinion indicating how it considers the application should be decided.”

“If a Notice of Opinion issues the applicant can seek an opportunity to appear before the PAC for the purpose of making representation on the opinion expressed by the Department.”

She explained that in the event of the PAC becoming involved it will report to the Department on any inquiry or hearing prior to a final decision being taken.

“The Department is not yet in a position to indicate whether or not a public inquiry will be held. You will be notified as soon as a decision is reached on this point.

“If your Council has not yet formally commented on this application I should be glad if you would let me have the Council’s views at your earliest opportunity,” stated Ms Maginn.

According to a Design Concept Statement prepared by HKR Architects/Rapport Architects and submitted to the local planning office last month the proposed superstore will have a massive gross floorspace of 7,800 square metres - bigger than Foyleside phase II and equivalent in size to a food superstore proposed for the former Desmond and Sons factory site in Drumahoe.

The land is described as being in the ownership of Caw Properties Ltd. - a McGinnis Group vehicle - and is bounded by property owned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), the Western, Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) and DRD Roads Service.