Plans to build a new filling station in Lurgan – complete with shop, cafe, sit-in restaurant and deli – have been given the go-ahead.
The green light was given despite a series of objections which included the over the loss of industrial land to retail use.
Chris Mitchell, of O’Callaghan Planning, in objection also stated that given the proximity of filling stations on Francis Street and Silverwood Road, there was no need for another one so close by, adding that approving the application would “fly in the face of Council’s commitment to climate change”.
However, following a lengthy debate at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council’s planning meeting on Wednesday night, planners’ recommendation to approve were carried following a 7-4 vote in favour by planning committee members.
O’Callaghan planning had warned that approval of such a development would be open to legal challenge.
Nonetheless, the approval comes two and a half years after the proposals were first lodged.
The application was submitted to Council for consideration back in June 2021.
In the interim, amended plans were also submitted which led to a reduction in the size of the shop planned.
Brought forward in the name of Boconnell Properties Ltd, the development will be sited to the south of Boconnell Court, north of Silverwood Road and adjacent to Kiln Lane and Kiln Road. It is currently described as “vacant land” and is neighbouring the Silverwood Industrial Estate.
The new petrol filling station will boast eight pumps sitting under a canopy, and alongside an advertising totem pole.
There will be the usual services expected for motorists at such a facility, provided in the form of an air, water and vacuum station.
The filling station will have a connected retail outlet, together with a cafe and a hot food deli.
It is also intended to build a hot food takeaway and sit-in family restaurant too, located in a separate building. This will be a two-storey building with staff facilities and storage on the first floor.
The overall proposals also include lighting, fencing and associated siteworks, which will include tree-planting and shrubs.
There would be parking provision too, with in excess of 70 spaces on site, while access to the new development would be via Kiln Lane.
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