Green light looms for Belfast petrol station expansion despite community backlash over traffic, safety and pollution
Plans by Maxol to demolish a home and expand a Spar and petrol station on Gilnahirk Road are moving forward despite significant local opposition, including 22 objections and a 38-signature petition
Plans to expand a petrol filling station and retail unit in east Belfast have been recommended for approval, despite objections from local community.
The proposal, brought forward by Maxol Oil, relates to a site at 46–50 Gilnahirk Road. According to plans lodged by Clarman Partnership, the project comprises a forecourt with parking to the front and a detached Spar shop to the rear.
A detached single storey dwelling immediately adjacent to the filling station at 50 Gilnahirk Road also forms part of the site.
The application seeks full planning permission to demolish the house at number 50 in order to facilitate an extension of the shop and forecourt, alongside a reconfiguration of the site. Plans include an additional 163 square metres of retail space, nine extra car parking spaces, cycle parking, a retaining wall and associated landscaping works.
Access to the site and the location of fuel pumps and canopy would remain unchanged.
A report due to be considered by Belfast City Council’s planning committee tonight (Tuesday) concludes that the proposal complies with the city’s development plan and is acceptable. Officials have recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.
It added: “Statutory consultees have raised no objection, subject to conditions. The application has been neighbour notified and advertised in the local press. 22 representations were received in total which are considered in the assessment below. This includes a petition signed by 38 people, a number of whom also made representations.
“Having regard to the development plan and other material considerations, the proposal is acceptable. It is recommended that planning permission is approved. Delegated authority is sought for the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of conditions, and deal with any other issues that arise, provided that they are not substantive.”
Concerns raised include increased traffic, parking pressures, privacy, road safety, increased noise and potential environmental impacts.
If approved, the development is expected to create additional jobs both during construction and once the expanded facility is operational.