Planners rule against 24-hour fuel station

Planners rule against 24-hour fuel station

3 April 2019

PLANNERS are recommending that a proposal to construct a new unmanned petrol station adjacent to the Ballymote shopping centre on the outskirts of Downpatrick should not proceed.

The recommendation to refuse the application for the 24-hour station will be discussed at next week’s meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee.

Nicholl Fuel Oils is seeking permission to build the filling station — a proposal which has split public opinion in the area.

Residents who live close to the proposed development site are concerned that the station is a potential fire risk, highlighting that this area has been repeatedly targeted by vandals and arsonists.

They also highlight anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the site, emphasising that there is a petrol station just five minutes away and “no demand” for one in the Ballymote area.

Residents also argue that a petrol station would have a “negative impact” on their lives and a “detrimental impact” on a similar business just one mile away.

Those in support of the proposal include a number of businesses based at the shopping centre, the Ballymote Community Project and the Model Farm Community Association.

They claim the plan has “overwhelming support” and that the chosen site is zoned for economic activity, insisting that in addition to creating employment, the new station would provide a much-needed service for the area.

In papers submitted ahead of next week’s planning meeting, those in support of the application argue that it would be a “big asset” to the Ballymote area, pointing out that there is no petrol station located on the south side of the town.

They also argue that the proposed station can help secure 140 permanent jobs at the shopping centre site and make use of a portion of land which has little amenity value.

Supporters contend that the proposed filling station is a “critical component” in maintaining the Ballymote Centre as a place to visit for a range of retail, health and community needs, with the proposal also providing additional parking space for customers.

Planners say they consider that the use of the proposed development site for a petrol station will not “adversely impact” on the town centre and that due to its nature, it could be considered that it will consolidate the existing shopping centre next door.

However, they point to concern as to whether the petrol station represents an appropriate use in an area characterised and surrounded by housing.

The proposed garage would share the existing entrance to the Ballymote shopping centre, with the petrol pumps located towards the northern end of the site, adjacent to Colmcille Road. 

The proposal includes two sets of unmanned pumps, with four lanes, canopy, plant room and parking for 21 vehicles. It is proposed to create an additional eight spaces to the side and rear of the end unit at the shopping centre.

Planners argue that given the nature of the proposed 24-hour garage and increased vehicle movements which will be very close to residential properties, it will have a “detrimental impact” and “adversely impact” on the quality of life and enjoyment of residents.

They say it is considered that the use of an unmanned petrol station in close proximity to homes is not compatible with the surrounding area, due to adverse impact that will result. In addition, planners say the proposed development will result in the loss of  an area of open space.

Planning papers indicate that during a community consultation event in June last year, no issues were raised regarding loss of open space or biodiversity and that the majority of people were in support of the proposal.

Councillors will be told next week that no evidence has been provided demonstrating how the community supports the proposal, including how many attended the community consultation and where they were from.

Planners say it is considered that the site for a petrol station is “not compatible with existing land use” and will result in an “unacceptable impact” on adjoining and adjacent residential properties and will result in the loss of open space.