To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the timescales for a departmental decision regarding LA06/2020/0097/F, which has been subject to a holding direction since January 2021.

AQW 30018/17-22

You will be aware that my Department was notified by Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to planning application reference: LA06/2020/0097/F (proposed redevelopment of Queen’s Parade) under the Planning (Notification of Applications) Direction 2017. Notification to my Department was required due to the council’s resolution to grant approval for the application where it had received a significant objection from a statutory consultee, in this instance a consultee from within my Department in relation to potential flood risk. A ‘holding’ Direction was issued by my Department on the 17 February 2021 and is currently in place.

The assessment of the notification is currently being finalised and it is my intention to respond to the council as soon as possible with a decision as to whether or not the application should be referred (‘called in’) to my Department for determination. Whilst I cannot provide a definitive timeframe for when this will be completed, I can assure you that I am mindful of the importance of reaching a decision on this matter to avoid any unnecessary delays.