Published Thursday, 02 February 2012
A legal challenge has been launched into the granting of planning permission. (© UTV)
Warrenpoint Harbour Authority is seeking to overturn a decision to approve the mixed-use development on the town's Newry Road.
Opening its application for judicial review at the High Court in Belfast on Thursday, barrister David Scoffield said his client was forced to take action.
He told Mr Justice Treacy: "It didn't bring these proceedings against another public body lightly, but felt compelled to protect its interest and the public interest."
The case centres on a decision taken by the Department of the Environment's Planning Service in June 2010.
That was to endorse the building of offices, retail and restaurant units, a hotel, and a housing development adjacent to the port.
Mr Scoffield said there were 10 separate grounds of challenge, including points about domestic law and environmental impact assessments.
The harbour authority's own need for expansion on the site was set out in the hearing.
"It can't go into the sea, it can't take over the town and it can't go across the road," the barrister said."This is it, this is the only show in town."
He also disputed any suggestion that his client does not need more room.
"The port says that is wrong for a whole myriad of reasons. We do need the space."
The hearing, which is set to run for three days, continues.