Hot food plan passed despite objections

At last Thursday night’s Public Sector Liaison Committee, the application for the retail Unit 2 144 Ballymoney Road was accepted.

Councillor Monica Digney welcomed the decision, she said: “On behalf of the applicant I welcome this decision. The employer can now keep further staff employed because of this.”

Former Mayor, Alderman Maurice Mills requested that his name be placed in favour of the objectors.

The meeting heard that objectors had concerns about the opening hours of the new carry out and extraction fan pointing towards residential houses, Senior Planning Officer Denise Kerr informed the meeting planners had assessed the application, she said: “There has been an odour and noise impact assessment carried out.

Mechanical ventilation has been sited away from homes, they are higher as well. Also had to take into consideration opening hours and activities.”

Alderman James Alexander said he has to support the objectors as a previous application was refused.

Senior Planning Officer Denise Kerr responded by saying plannings concerns had been addressed, she said: “Our concerns at that stage was about the mechanical ventilation, the site has been moved. The Tesco is now operating similar hours the take away which was another concern we had. The take away will open to 11.00pm which is the same as Tescos.”

Committee Chairman, Cllr Declan O'Loan said that should “go some way to satisfying residents.”