Northwest One hopes dashed

It emerged that the plan was rejected by the Minister of Infrastructure due to conflicts with planning regulations.

The £45m development, including housing, a supermarket and a cinema, had been put forward by KPMG, the administrators for GSB Guernsey.

Foyle MLA, Gary Middleton, an ardent champion of the scheme, conceded that the scheme’s latest refusal was ‘disappointing news for Londonderry’.

And he contended: “If this application had been given the green light it would have created upwards of 500 jobs, representing a real boost to the local economy.

“Furthermore, it would have represented a significant investment in the area, as it was expected to cost £45million.

Both myself and my colleague Lord Hay, had been working on this project for a number of years and this news feels a bit like a repetition of history.

“Previously the SDLP’s Alex Attwood rejected the original proposal back in 2012. This is a site which has been derelict for some time and a development like this would be very much welcome in the City.

“I understand that the Minister has to work within planning regulations, however it is important that we work together to help and support the economy in the North-West. I hope there will be a solution in the future to the deadlock on the Londonderry North West One application.”