Applegreen branching out to Fort Royal site

One of the 3-D images screened at the presentation by planners to councillors on an application for a Filling Station and drive thru restaurant at Crankill Road. (Submitted Image).

On Thursday, an application by Chic Limited for a petrol filling station and associated facilities including a drive-thru restaurant at 147 Crankill Road, was given the green light by Mid & East Antrim Council’s planning committee.

Applegreen say they’re delighted.

A spokesperson for the renowned company told the Times: “We are delighted with the news and look forward to hopefully opening an Applegreen Service Station on the Crankill Road. This station will boost local employment and have such facilities akin to our Templepatrick Motorway Service Area, albeit of a smaller scale. We are delighted to be providing well needed facilities for commuters and locals alike north of Ballymena”

During the presentation to councillors last week, which was also attended by members of the public, images of what the development could look like featuring the applegreen logo were displayed on screens in the chamber.

A senior planner told councillors the site was previously home to a long established roadside restaurant and nightclub which had been removed from the site which fronts on to the southbound lane of the main A26 Crankill dual carriageway.

He stated that five objections received had all been from or on behalf of a neighbouring property on issues primarily relating to road safety and that after consultation with Transport NI, planners were satisfied the application proposed an “appropriate form of development at this location”. He also stated that no issues had been raised by consultees that could not be overcome by planning conditions and recommended approval of the amended application, by Chic Limited, subject to relevant planning conditions.