New £5m filling station with potential to create almost 50 jobs proposed for Ballyclare

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has received a planning application for a proposed new £5m filling station development in Ballyclare which has resulted in dozens of objections.

The proposal is for construction of a petrol filling station, forecourt (three pump islands); two retail units and one hot food unit, bulk fuels and associated access, parking, site works and landscaping to be located between Readers Crescent and Claughlin Lane.

The application has been made to the council by an agent on behalf of Henderson Group Property, Hightown Avenue, Newtownabbey. Henderson Group operates and supplies a range of convenience stores across the borough and Northern Ireland.

The proposed site is located at the junction of the Ballyclare Relief Road (Jubilee Road) and Readers Park to the north-west of Ballyclare.

A planning, design and access statement submitted with the application said that a new Eurospar outlet is planned at the location.

The report indicated it will have a single access/egress onto the link road running between the Ballyclare Relief Road (Jubilee Road) and Readers Park and connected to the footpath network. Eighty-two car parking spaces are proposed as well as EV charging.

The proposed building will “complement the design style of adjacent residential development”, the report said.

“The proposed development will deliver and meet the need for a local centre planned for the site since 2004,” it stated.

“The proposed development represents appropriate and adequate provision of necessary local neighbourhood facilities to serve the northern section of the Ballyclare urban extension.

“The development represents an important investment of £5.3m approximately by the Henderson Group in the site. There will be 46 jobs created in the Eurospar expected to be 29 full-time and 17 part-time, across various management, supervisory and customer service roles,” the report noted.

Neighbours have been consulted over the proposed filling station development. Objections have highlighted concerns over potential increase in traffic; road safety, noise, potential for anti-social behaviour, proximity of and requirement for the planned development and public health concerns.

Statutory bodies have also been consulted for their opinion.

In its response, DfI Roads (Department for Infrastructure) said that objections have been considered.

“DfI Roads are of the opinion that the access for this proposed local amenity should be provided at either Jubilee Road or Readers Crescent but that no through road should be formed as this would lead to a ‘rat run’,” the response stated.

The council’s environmental health section said it is considered there is the “potential for noise to be generated from different sources/activities” on site including deliveries and customer vehicles.

The department has requested information relating to air quality “to ensure amenity at nearby sensitive receptors can be protected”.

Clarification has been requested on proposed hours of operation.