Antrim and Newtownabbey: Proposed petrol station approved with zebra crossing to be put in place
Planning permission has been granted for a proposed new petrol filling station and retail outlet at Ballycraigy Road, Antrim.
The reserved matters application was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at a meeting in Mossley Mill, on Monday evening.
The proposal is for a filling station and retail unit with parking, lighting and associated development including solar panels and package treatment plant, alterations to Ballycraigy Road to provide a right-hand turning lane and alterations to pedestrian crossing arrangement.
Councillors were reminded a decision was deferred in August to allow for discussions with Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads in relation to road safety, in particular, to consider if there is any solution to road safety concerns and issues regarding traffic.
A committee report stated: “To date, no additional information has been submitted, nor have any amended plans been received to detail any proposed pedestrian crossing, nor has DfI Roads recommended any planning condition in relation to a pedestrian crossing. The recommendation remains to grant planning permission, subject to conditions.”
Planning officer Ashleigh Wilson said discussions have taken place between the applicant Solo Direct Ltd and DfI Roads but no additional information has been received regarding any crossing.
She noted outline planning permission was granted by the Planning Appeals Commission in December 2024 and the proposal seeks ‘reserved matters’ approval.
She went on to say it is considered there will be visual impact relating to the planned development but noted the “small-scale nature” of the proposed shop and additional planting.
The officer reported three objections in relation to increased traffic and road safety, light and noise and loss of vegetation, She said the recommendation was to approve the application.
Les Ross, planning agent, said following a discussion with DfI Roads, it was indicated the Department would support a zebra crossing but that it was not considered to be necessary.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster asked if DfI Roads was in the process of carrying out a traffic survey. He noted an accident in the vicinity during the summer.
Mr Ross indicated he had been informed a traffic survey has been carried out and whatever is put in place will be “in agreement with DfI Roads”. “We are suggesting a crossing is put in place before operation of the facility,” he stated.
Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Cllr Stephen Cosgrove commented: “We can see as councillors there was a need for some sort of crossing along that particular stretch of road.”
He went on to say it is “crucial” where a pedestrian crossing is sited, across from the play park and community centre to the proposed retail unit.
Glengormley Sinn Fein Cllr Rosie Kinnear proposed accepting the recommendation to approve the application with a condition for a zebra crossing, seconded by Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill. Following a vote, the application was approved unanimously.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter