Ballyclare £5.3m Eurospar and filling station plan sparks objections

Design image for the proposed new £5.3 million filling station and retail development in Ballyclare

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has received a planning application for a proposed new £5.3 million filling station and retail development in Ballyclare, prompting dozens of objections from nearby residents.

The proposal is for the construction of a petrol filling station with a forecourt featuring three pump islands, alongside two retail units and a hot food unit, bulk fuel storage, associated access roads, parking, site works and landscaping.

The development is proposed for land between Readers Crescent and Claughlin Lane.

The application has been submitted to the council by an agent acting on behalf of Henderson Group Property, based at Hightown Avenue in Newtownabbey. Henderson Group operates and supplies a range of convenience stores across Northern Ireland.

Site plan for proposed new £5.3 million filling station and retail development in Ballyclare

The proposed site is located at the junction of the Ballyclare Relief Road (Jubilee Road) and Readers Park, on the north-west side of Ballyclare.

A planning, design and access statement submitted with the application states that a new Eurospar outlet is planned as part of the development.

According to the report, the site would include a single access and egress point onto the link road running between Jubilee Road and Readers Park, with connections to the surrounding footpath network.

Plans also include 82 car parking spaces and electric vehicle charging facilities.

The proposed building would “complement the design style of adjacent residential development”, the report stated.

“The proposed development will deliver and meet the need for a local centre planned for the site since 2004,” the statement said.

“The proposed development represents appropriate and adequate provision of necessary local neighbourhood facilities to serve the northern section of the Ballyclare urban extension.

“The development represents an important investment of approximately £5.3 million by the Henderson Group in the site. There will be 46 jobs created in the Eurospar, expected to include 29 full-time and 17 part-time roles across management, supervisory and customer service positions.”

Neighbours have been consulted on the proposed development, with objections raising concerns about increased traffic, road safety, noise, potential anti-social behaviour, the proximity and need for the development, and possible public health impacts.

Statutory bodies have also been consulted as part of the planning process.

In its response, the Department for Infrastructure Roads said the objections had been considered.

“DfI Roads are of the opinion that the access for this proposed local amenity should be provided at either Jubilee Road or Readers Crescent, but that no through road should be formed as this would lead to a ‘rat run’,” the response stated.

Meanwhile, the council’s Environmental Health section said there is “potential for noise to be generated from different sources and activities” on the site, including deliveries and customer vehicles.

The department has requested further information relating to air quality “to ensure amenity at nearby sensitive receptors can be protected”.

Clarification has also been requested regarding the proposed opening hours for the development.