Proposals for the construction of new a 60 bedroom hotel complex in Carryduff have been brought before Castlereagh Council.

Merit Investment and Properties is behind the planned scheme, which could see a family restaurant and carpark built close to the Ivanhoe Inn.

It is believed the Planning Service has attached a Article 31 Order to the development, which could result in a public enquiry.

The scheme has been described as being of major importance to the area, and could alter access to a nearby trunk road.

Concerns have been raised over the proposed project and local councillor Geraldine Rice said the scheme would be in direct competition with a long-established family-owned business, the Ivanhoe.

"It's not a great time in general to open a new hotel, with the credit crunch," she said.

Ms Rice said the hotel would be built on an extremely busy road, forcing drivers to cross four lanes of traffic in order to make a right hand turn.

Fellow councillor Brian Harvey pledged his support for the plans, and its potential to generate local jobs.

"An inward investment, particularly at this time when there is a downturn in construction and industry, is positive as it will bring jobs to Carryduff," he said.

Ivanhoe proprietor James Maguire told the Down Recorder: "We would be concerned that there is not enough business in the area to justify an additional hotel."

(PR/JM)