"Planning policy which bolsters city and town centre environments is exactly what is required for Belfast city centre and the environment minister's statement clarifies a position that makes sense and is in line with good planning practice across the rest of the UK and the developed world, " he said.

BBC: 'Fatal blow' for John Lewis store at Sprucefield

According to the trust's legal team, Environment Minister Alex Attwood acted unreasonably and irrationally in granting planning permission last February.

BBC: Northern Ireland

The petition was presented to the Environment Minister Peter Sirett and Deputy Bernard Flouquet, the chairman of the Strategic Land Planning Group.

BBC: Eyesore petition handed to States of Guernsey

Questions to the environment minister included planning laws, the repatriation of waste to the Republic of Ireland, high hedges legislation and plans to introduce a levy on plastic bags.

BBC: Deputy First Minister's Questions