Plans for a new £2.5m petrol station and convenience store that could create up to 65 new jobs in Ballynahinch look set to be approved. In March 2021, applicant David Carlisle submitted a proposal for the eight-pump development on lands at the junction of Lisburn Road and Magheraknock Road to council planners, who have now recommended it be given the green light.
A planning report notes that the site – a triangular plot of land that “has become quite overgrown” – is “located on white lands with no particular zoning within the settlement development limits of Ballynahinch.”
It is highlighted that “no objections have been received from existing retail establishments within the main retail core or town centre of Ballynahinch in relation to negative impacts on existing businesses or fear of the loss of footfall etc.” A local resident has raised the matter as part of their objection, but the comment “is not backed by any supporting evidence for potential for harm,” the document adds. Two letters of support, from Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews and Strangford MP Jim Shannon, have been received, with support based on providing a facility and creating jobs.
The report states that a supporting planning retail and needs assessment, carried out by a consultant on behalf of the applicant, “considers the catchment of the area and the primary function of the proposal being a petrol filling station with a small retail unit that will primarily provide local convenience service function within the surrounding locality.”
“The assessment concludes that the local area lacks a local neighbourhood facility to serve the existing residential developments and the limited impact this development would have on like-for-like facilities within Ballynahinch and the catchment area,” it reads. The assessment also notes that the proposal represents £2.5m of investment and is projected to provide 65 jobs within the locality.
The planning report points out that “there has been no objection or challenge in relation to the detailed assessment.” It adds that “the land uses surrounding the site could benefit from the convenience of a small-scale convenience retail store, with limited provision existing in the immediate vicinity of the site. The size, scale and provisions of the proposed operations would be considered adequate to serve the local need. The principle of the scheme is considered acceptable, and it is not considered – given the size and scale of the development, the nature of the development and proximity of it to similar schemes – there will be any detrimental impacts on the primary retail core or town centre of Ballynahinch as a result of the works.”
The design of the scheme, similar to an application previously granted permission on the site, is stated to be “typical of retail developments of this type” and “will not detract from key development trends exhibited within the immediate areas.” It is acknowledged that “flooding is a key consideration of this site”; however, “a level of flood compensation storage will be provided for.” This is not the case with the previous permission, which “could be fully implemented whilst not requiring or providing this compensatory flood storage mitigation measure.”
