The plans for the development, which were unveiled last month for public consultation, include a multi-screen cinema, drive-through restaurant, coffee outlets, and a 65 bedroom hotel. There are also plans for retail outlets on site, which was the main bone of contention the Enniskillen Business Partnership (EBP) had with the proposal. 

The EBP recently met to discuss the issue at the Crowe’s Nest in the town. During that discussion it was the “mixed retail open class” aspect of the proposal that prompted the most concern. 

“The feeling around the table was that with many of the major town centre tenants on relatively short remaining leases, this represents the biggest threat to the existing town centre going forward,” said a spokesman for the group, which is made up of local business owners and those with business interests in the town. 

“Representation from the current cinema, the proposed Hollyhill development, and existing hotels in the town argued the cinema and hotel projects were not large enough to work and could be considered a smoke screen for further retail buildings.”

After taking a vote on what steps to take next, it was agreed “overwhelmingly” decided to object to any form of retain development on site. The EBP will also seek the assistance of a planning consultant for guidance on the matter.