Amended plans for unmanned petrol station at Ballymote

Amended plans for unmanned petrol station at Ballymote

4 December 2019

AMENDED plans have been lodged to build an unmanned petrol station adjacent to the Ballymote shopping centre on the outskirts of Downpatrick. 

While planners originally recommended that the development should not proceed, the application was subsequently approved by Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee.

Nicholl Fuel Oils has lodged the amended planning application for what is understood to be a 24-hour filling station.

While residents who live close to the proposed development site expressed concerned that the station posed a potential fire risk — arguing that it would have a “negative impact” on their lives — those in support of the proposal said it will have many benefits for the area.

A number of businesses based at the shopping centre, the Ballymote Community Project and the Model Farm Community Association, believe the proposed filling station would be good for the area, insisting that in addition to creating employment, it would provide a much-needed service for the area.

Downpatrick’s existing four petrol stations are based in the heart of the town. Those in support of the new development are confident that it will have a positive impact and also deter anti-social behaviour in the area.

The amended plans which were lodged last week are seeking approval for a garage canopy and totem-style signage. 

And while the development will result in the loss of some existing open space, those behind the new filling station proposal insist that the benefits will “decisively outweigh” the loss, arguing that there is an abundance of existing open space and proposed amenity space at this part of the town.

It is estimated that there are currently over 150 people employed at the Ballymote shopping centre site which is home to a number of businesses and community organisations.

A petrol station located a short distance away at St Patrick’s Drive closed sometime ago, with people in the wider Lecale area having to make their way through Downpatrick town centre to access other filling stations.

The Ballymote Community Project has described support for the planned petrol station as “solid” and has outlined plans for CCTV cameras to be mounted around the station and on the canopy. There are also plans to provide additional parking as part of the proposed development.

The Community Project has previously argued that the new garage will help complete the “carefully planned” range of services at Ballymote and will “protect this unique community business from larger external supermarket interests buying land locally and trying to compete”.

In his submission to planners last April, Sean Kennedy of Nicholl Fuel Oils, explained that the retail fuel market in Northern Ireland is “rapidly moving to unmanned sites”.

He said the proposed Ballymote development will help the company grow its unmanned network and bring a “new and necessary service to the local community”.  

Mr Kennedy said the proposed filling station will also safeguard the future of the Ballymote Centre and the jobs it already provides.