Developer appeals Causeway rejection

Mr Sweeney's centre proposal for the province's top tourist attraction was turned down last month by Environment Minister Arlene Foster. Her decision reversed her previous stance, announced in September, of being "of a mind" to approve. The businessman has now requested a hearing at the independent Planning Appeals Commission. The Department of the Environment will give evidence against his scheme during this process. Objectors - likely to include the National Trust and Moyle Council - will also have an input in the hearing.

In a statement today, Mr Sweeney's firm Seaport said its "multi-faceted UK-wide professional team " had examined the Minister's refusal decisions and concluded that they "not sustainable".
It added that it had now exercised its right to challenge the Minister's verdict at the Planning Appeals Commission. The Causeway centre debate sparked a long-running controversy over lobbying for Mr Sweeney by DUP politician Ian Paisley Jnr. This culminated last week with Mr Paisley Jnr's resignation as a junior Minister - while denying any wrongdoing.

Mrs Foster's announcement last month said Mr Sweeney's proposal would have an "adverse impact" on the Causeway World Heritage site. She also cited concerns about a "spread of development" at the sensitive location.

Mr Paisley Jnr today welcomed the prospect of an appeal and said the merits of the planning case "have been somewhat distorted by political comment and controversy over the applicant".

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