"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