Planning approval has been granted for a major extension to the existing Spar supermarket at 20-24 Mill Street, Tandragee, and for the provision of a filling station.

The matter had been listed for determination at the October meeting of the ABC Planning & Regulatory Services committee, however last minute objections by nearby residents, in relation to the proposed location of bins and refuse management, meant that the matter had to be revisited at the November 5 meeting of the committee, with the residents’ concerns apparently addressed to their satisfaction.

The planning application is for the demolition of an existing building and outbuildings at 30 Mill Street, and alterations to the rear private amenity space of 32 and 34 Mill Street, to provide an extension to the existing Spar store at 20-24 Mill Street, along with alterations to the existing forecourt to provide a new petrol filling station.

The planning application was lodged by RPP Architects Ltd, Belfast, on behalf of the Henderson Group.

Spar customers will also be able to refuel, as the approved planning application includes the provision of two petrol pumps. Image: ABC planning portal

placeholder image — Spar customers will also be able to refuel, as the approved planning application includes the provision of two petrol pumps. Image: ABC planning portal

The extension will be in keeping with the architectural design of the current store, with a significantly enhanced sales floorspace area, increasing from 345m2 to 470m2.

Addressing committee members at the November meeting, principal planning officer, Roisin Hamill stated: “The two-storey building at No 30 Mill Street is proposed to be demolished in order to accommodate the proposed extension, and the existing access between No 30 and No 32 is proposed to be narrowed but retained, as a residential pedestrian access for the occupants of the existing dwellings at No 32 and No 34.

“The existing access at Mill Street is proposed to be widened, with two egress lanes and one ingress lane to access the car park and proposed fuel pumps.

“There are two proposed fuel pumps and associated canopy, and two underground fuel tanks also proposed.”

The proposed extension to the Spar supermarket, in Tandragee, will be seamless. Image: ABC planning portal

The senior planning officer outlined details of proposed mitigation measures to address concerns to do with the proposed location for the bins, and their management: “An amended site layout was submitted, showing the location of the refuse storage area moved approximately 9.7 metres to the west, and reorientated on the site.

“The area beside No 5 Old Mill Court, where the refuge storage area was originally to be located, is now a proposed landscape buffer area, to be maintained by Henderson Group.

“Further neighbour notifications were carried out, and an updated comment has been received from No 5 Old Mill Court, which advises, in relation to the bin storage area, that the Henderson group have presented a fair solution, in their opinion.

Tandragee: mixed views on major filling station revamp plans

The current Spar store and adjacent car park in Mill Street, Tandragee. Credit: Google

“Officers are content that the amended location of the bin storage area, and the bin storage area details and management arrangements, which set out how the refuge area will be managed, satisfactorily addresses the issues raised by concerned residents.

“Residents that had raised concerns have said that they feel this is a fair resolution, a fair solution.

“We have proposed a number of conditions in relation to noise, etc. If there’s any concern that those conditions are not being adhered to, that would be followed up by ourselves.”

Alderman Gareth Wilson (DUP) commented: “Given the work that’s been done [which] has dealt with a number of the queries and concerns, I’m happy to propose [the recommendation to approve the planning application].”

Alderman Gordon Kennedy (UUP) seconded.