Green light for new Antrim petrol station and shop as councillors insist on zebra crossing
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Plans for a new petrol filling station and retail outlet on Ballycraigy Road in Antrim have been unanimously approved by councillors, with a condition requiring a zebra crossing following concerns over pedestrian safety.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee granted reserved matters approval at its meeting in Mossley Mill on Monday evening (19 October).
The development, proposed by Solo Direct Ltd, will include a petrol filling station, retail unit, parking facilities, lighting, solar panels and a package treatment plant.
The plans also involve alterations to Ballycraigy Road to provide a right-hand turning lane, alongside changes to pedestrian crossing arrangements.
Road safety concerns raised
Site location plan for newly approved Solo fuel station on Ballycraigy Road, Antrim.
A decision on the application had been deferred in August to allow further discussions with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads over traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.
However, councillors were informed that no additional information or revised plans detailing a pedestrian crossing had been submitted.
A planning committee report stated:
“To date, no additional information has been submitted, nor have any amended plans been received to detail any proposed pedestrian crossing, nor has DfI Roads recommended any planning condition in relation to a pedestrian crossing. The recommendation remains to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.”
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson confirmed that discussions had taken place between the applicant and DfI Roads, but no further information had been received regarding a crossing.
She explained that outline planning permission for the development had already been granted by the Planning Appeals Commission in December 2024, with the latest application seeking approval of the detailed plans, known as reserved matters.
Site plan for newly approved Solo fuel station on Ballycraigy Road, Antrim.
Elevations and floor plan for shop in newly approved Solo fuel station on Ballycraigy Road, Antrim.
Ms Wilson acknowledged the development would have a visual impact but highlighted the relatively small scale of the proposed shop and the inclusion of additional planting.
Three objections had been received, raising concerns about increased traffic and road safety, light and noise pollution, and the loss of vegetation.
Despite these objections, planning officers recommended approval.
Zebra crossing proposed
Speaking on behalf of the applicant, planning agent Les Ross told councillors that discussions with DfI Roads had indicated the Department would support a zebra crossing, although it did not consider one necessary.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster asked whether DfI Roads was carrying out a traffic survey, highlighting a road accident in the area during the summer.
Mr Ross indicated he had been informed that a traffic survey had already been completed and said any measures introduced would be agreed with DfI Roads.
“We are suggesting a crossing is put in place before operation of the facility,” he stated.
Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Councillor Stephen Cosgrove supported the need for improved pedestrian safety along Ballycraigy Road.
“We can see as councillors there was a need for some sort of crossing along that particular stretch of road.”
He stressed that the location of any crossing would be “crucial”, particularly in providing a safe connection between the nearby play park and community centre and the proposed retail outlet.
Unanimous approval
Glengormley Sinn Féin Councillor Rosie Kinnear proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application, subject to a condition requiring a zebra crossing.
The proposal was seconded by Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill.
Councillors subsequently voted unanimously to approve the application, with the additional crossing requirement forming part of the committee’s decision.
