Planning approval process for new Omagh Sainsbury’s store questioned
The planning process behind the recently-approved Sainsbury’s store in Omagh has drawn criticism.
News of the new store coming to the area gained attention as it marks the retailer’s first supermarket in Omagh.
The new supermarket, which will open in Great Northern Retail Park, will create approximately 140 jobs in the local area and will be Sainsbury’s 13th store in the region.
While acknowledging that competition from retailers is good for consumers, some local independent retailers have voiced their concerns that the planning application has been rushed through without full consideration being given to its impact on the local area.
There were also concerns raised that a store of this size would only compound an already busy traffic junction at the site, with independent retailers telling NR they were very worried this would lead to further traffic congestion backing into the town centre.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s told NR they had been unaware of any issues surrounding the planning application and its subsequent approval.
“The development has been approved via a thorough planning process, with both Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Department for Infrastructure concluding that planning permission should be granted,” the spokesperson told NR in a statement.
They added they would continue to work closely with all stakeholders as they work to open the store later this year.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been approached for comment.
You can read the full story in the August issue of Neighbourhood Retailer coming soon.
