Amended plans submitted for M1 service area

AMENDED plans have been submitted for what would be Northern Ireland's first motorway service area on the M1 near Hillhall.

The original plans sparked controversy when they were first lodged in 1999 as the proposal for the motorway service station near Sandy Lane is on the edge of the Lagan Valley Regional Park and in close proximity to local residents in Drumbeg.

If approved the plan would see a filling station, forecourt service shop, car wash, cafe/restaurant, rest and WC facilities, associated parking and amenity area being developed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is also an application for a second service station to be located on the north side of the motorway close to Drumbeg.

The latest plans are the second set of amendments to be lodged, with the first amended plans being sent to the Planning Service in 2007.

In 2007 agents for the project said the amended plans were a "slightly different layout".

Lagan Valley MLA Jeffrey Donaldson said he still had concerns about the planned development.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I am aware that revised plans have been submitted for the motorway service stations proposed for the M1," said Mr Donaldson. "I am also conscious that there are a number of local residents who continue to have concerns about the impact the service stations will have on the local environment.

"These are issues that need to be fully addressed by the Planning Service and I am continuing to liaise with them on this particular development," he concluded.