Portadown: Planning approval for extension to filling station supermarket with increased parking
Bridge Street Filling Station, Portadown, has received planning approval for a supermarket extension, plus minor internal alterations, the removal of the existing car wash, and slightly enhanced car-parking capacity.
The planning application was lodged by Anderson Architect, Portadown, on behalf of Dean Gartland, 285 Bridge Street, Portadown.
ABC Planning officers outlined the approved plans as follows: “The site is currently occupied by a petrol filling station with a convenience store which has a sales area of 280m2 and storage/ancillary gross floor area of 62m2 and eight filling bays.
“The building is single storey and is occupied by a Spar convenience store with a Subway sandwich counter.”
Officers added: “The applicant is seeking full planning permission for the extension to the existing supermarket, minor internal alterations, removal of existing car wash, and provision of increased parking.
“The proposal is to add approximately 72m2 of additional retailing space to the southern end of the existing shop building.
“With respect to the car parking, there are currently 25 car-parking spaces on site which are available for customers of the convenience store, and 16 spaces available at the filling bays.
“Post-development there will be 28 car-parking spaces provided on the site, which is an increase of three spaces over the existing layout.
“The proposed extension will provide a modest extension to the existing facility which solely serves the existing development and surrounding area.”
The officers continued: “In terms of scale and design, the proposed extension will not increase the height of the existing building from what it is now. The retail floor space will be over one floor, with accessibility for all.
“A strict application of the parking standards shows that the development proposals will require 41 parking spaces to be provided as part of this development.
“The application proposes 28 car-parking spaces to the rear of the site along with the eight existing spaces located at the fuel pumps. The agent has advised that there is agreement with an adjacent site to provide staff parking.
“In assessing this shortfall, it is considered that this shop serves the local community and is within walking distance for customers.
“The shortfall can therefore be offset with on-street parking availability along Bridge Street, the shop being on a well-served bus route and served by an extensive footpath network enabling easy pedestrian access.”