Plans have been submitted that could see the demolition of a Newry Spar and Circle K filling station to allow for a replacement filling station with retail shop and service yard.
The proposals relating to the existing filling station – on the Belfast Road – were submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in the name of Niall Clarke Oils.
It seeks permission to demolish the existing petrol station, a red brick off-licence, small store building to the northwest corner of the site and two storey store/office building along the northern boundary with brown cladding on the upper half.
The two blue cladding units are earmarked to be retained.
If approved, the plans allow for the erection of a new retail shop, fuel court with canopy, service yard and parking.
According to supporting statements, the new fuel court with canopy would comprise eight fuel pumps for cars and light goods vehicles.
There would be one HGV pump as existing located parallel to the road to “improve manoeuvring”.
The proposed new building would cover 745.6sqm gross internal floor space with a retail unit, hot food area and butchery prep area.
Once constructed, the proposals would see the total floorspace increased by 106.7sqm.
The canopy will be 5.9m in height and finished in “graphic fascia panel” with LED lighting along the perimeter. A covered outdoor seating area is also proposed along the side of the proposed building that would be 3m by 10m in size.
A total of 61 car parking spaces would be provided with provision made for disabled parking and electric vehicle parking, increasing parking at the location by 32 spaces.
In support of the application, supporting material asserts: “In the context of the existing site, the proposed development is considered an improvement in terms of design and visual impact from the public road.”
In the demolition of several buildings “dotted around the site boundaries”, the new layout is regarded by the applicant as much more “efficient”, allowing for better manoeuvring.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
