Planning permission granted for a multi-million pound civic centre in Newry is to face a High Court challenge, it emerged Thursday.
Judicial review proceedings have been issued against the decision to approve the proposed hub close to the city’s Cathedral.
Local resident Paul Lennon claims Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) failed to properly comply with consultation and climate change duties before giving the go-ahead for the project.
The centre is part of a wider regeneration scheme which includes a park, a theatre and road bypass.
Despite a petition signed by parishioners opposed to the scheme and more than 2,600 objections during the process, planning approval was granted earlier this year.
At that stage the civic centre was reported to be costing £17m.
Mr Lennon’s lawyers are now seeking to judicially review the Council, alleging procedural errors and flaws in the application of planning law.
“I am deeply troubled by the decision to grant planning permission for this Civic Centre, particularly in light of the overwhelming public objection,” he stated.
“On top of that, more than 2,500 parishioners signed a petition opposing the scheme.
“My fear is that this project has been advanced without proper respect for our community’s voice, especially for those of us whose daily lives, access to parking, and connections to Newry Cathedral are being fundamentally altered.”
His solicitor, Ciaran O’Hare of McIvor Farrell law firm, confirmed papers have been lodged and anticipated a hearing will be listed within weeks.
The lawyer claimed it was a “textbook illustration” of how a public authority can go beyond the limits of lawful decision-making.
“My client has launched this judicial review challenge because the issues are of fundamental importance, not just to him, but to the ratepayers of Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the rest of the population,” Mr O’Hare said.
“The case raises pressing questions about how large public projects are delivered, how public voices are heard, and how Councils are held to account under the planning system.”