Developers behind Merrow Hotel and Spa plans pledge to fight on
The developers behind the £20m Merrow Hotel and Spa have pledged to fight for the future of the project after their planning application was thrown out.
C&V Development and management company Interstate Europe Hotels & Resorts are seeking to build a 118-bedroom hotel and luxury spa in Portstewart, County Londonderry, which will create 100 hospitality jobs upon completion.
Planning permission had been granted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in March 2018. But construction was delayed when the process was challenged by the objectors a few days before the three-month deadline in June 2018.
Planning permission was quashed for a second time last week by Lord Justice McCloskey, who ruled that the council's decision to approve the development was procedurally unfair.
Traditional Unionist Voice leader and member of the Legislative Assembly Jim Allister, who owns a holiday home close to the proposed development, led the challenge that saw the application thrown out.
Speaking on behalf of the Merrow Hotel and Spa team, Vivienne Gilholm said the ruling was disappointing.
"After a year in the High Court the decision to grant planning was quashed on four technical points," she said.
"These aspects will now be addressed with a view to securing approvals imminently. We are working tirelessly to bring this project to life and wish to assure everyone that we are not put off by delays."
She added: "There are of course those who said ‘just invest the £20m somewhere else, and create the jobs somewhere else', but we truly believe in what we are doing. Our team is committed to bringing economic benefits to the local community."
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