Retailers in Belfast are joining forces with local councillors to prevent the development of a giant shopping centre on the Harbour Estate. Belfast Chamber of Trade has confirmed that, along with Belfast City Council, it will seek leave to apply for a judicial review of the decision by the Department of the Environment to approve a £65 million development in the east of the city.

The complex would consist of a 65,000 sq ft Sainsbury supermarket, an 18-screen cinema, and 10 retail warehouse outlets for companies such as electrical goods retailers Currys, Halfords, and Toys-R-Us.

The decision to allow the development has already been contested at a public inquiry three years ago.

The chairman of the Belfast Chamber of Trade, Mr Frank Caddy, says opposition to the project is as strong as ever.