By Ryan Sands
Plans for a new McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant in Ballynahinch have been lodged.
An application for the Belfast Road development was submitted to council planners by the global fast food chain earlier this month.
The proposal includes “inside and outside seating area, drive thru lanes, ordering tabloids, car parking (including two electrical vehicle charging spaces), cycle stands, landscaping, site access and all other associated site works”.
A planning statement highlights that the site is “situated adjacent to the A24 Belfast Road, approximately 600 metres north of Ballynahinch town centre”.
“The site’s northern boundary adjoins several small units currently occupied by a veterinary surgery and a gym,” it continues. “The eastern boundary is defined by the A24, beyond which lie residential properties at 87 and 87a Belfast Road, as well as Redburn Nursing Home at No. 89.
“To the west of the site is a greenfield area with mature trees, and the southern boundary is framed by existing residential properties, namely 44 Belfast Road, fronting onto the Belfast Road.
“In the surrounding site area, there are two high schools, two petrol filling stations and a number of local businesses, including a fish and chip shop. Within the wider Ballynahinch town centre, a mix of uses is clear, comprising hot food takeaways, restaurants, retail outlets and supermarkets.
“This established mixed-use environment highlights the potential for the proposed development to integrate appropriately with its surroundings.”
The document adds that “the proposal seeks to provide motorists and visitors with a new drive-thru and restaurant offering, complementing the existing mix of businesses in this location and surrounding vicinity”.
“The proposal involves the redevelopment of the site to accommodate a single-storey McDonald’s restaurant with drive-thru facilities, extending to approximately 370 square metres gross external area,” the application states.
“The building will be positioned in the south-western portion of the site and will be of typical drive-thru design, incorporating two order terminals, one payment point and two collection points.
“The structure will have a primary roof height of 3.6 metres, with a parapet height reaching 5.535 metres.
“The external finish will comprise timber-effect and dark grey cladding panels.
“The customer dining area makes up approximately 70 square metres with circa 50 seats, and finished floor levels remain similar to existing ground levels.”
Further details about the plans are included in the current issue.
