A plan to demolish a former abattoir in Dungannon and replace it with a shop and crèche has been approved by Mid Ulster District Council’s planning committee.
The proposal, first submitted in May 2018 by agent Clarman and Co on behalf of applicant BDJ Management Ltd will see the demolition of an abattoir on Dungannon’s Coalisland Road to be replaced with a new local neighbourhood shop, workshops, forecourt and canopy and crèche.
As the application was brought to the attention of the committee, Councillor Clement Cuthbertson decided it would be safer to declare an interest as he may have had “conversations with the developer” around the time the application was initially submitted.
The design and access statement submitted alongside the planning application notes the local shop will provide 280sq metres of retail space and will also include a deli area and a small seating area.
It also notes that with no registered crèche facilities on this side of the town, the area is well suited to the development of a small modern crèche that would serve “not only the local community but could possibly also serve some of the 1,500 workers within close proximity to the site”.
The statement also notes that 81 car parking spaces will be provided, including five disabled bays and two parent and toddler spaces as well of a degree of cycling provision.
With regards to access, the statement notes the existing site entrances onto Oaks Road and Dunlea Vale will be maintained and the existing bus stop will be remodelled to create a lay-by thus maintaining a continuous flow of traffic.
A planning report submitted for the committee’s consideration by council planning officers notes the site is located in a mixed use area.
To the south east of the site, which is located at the junction of the Coalisland Road and Lurgaboy Lane, is a Council depot, residential dwellings are located to its north, Dungannon enterprise centre is to its west and the Oaks shopping centre is located to the south of the site.
The report notes the application has received rejections, with some concerned about the impact the development may have on the surrounding roads. However committee members were advised that DfI Roads have offered no objections to the proposal.
In conclusion the planning report notes, that the proposal is not in conflict with planning policy and that all the points in the letters of objection have been addressed satisfactorily.
The application was recommended for approval by council’s planners and a proposal to adopt the recommendation was put forward by Councillor Phelim Gildernew and seconded by Councillor Sean Clarke.
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