Split reaction in Council over ‘Phoenix’ plans

The application by Peter McCool, which was put before last Thursday night’s planning meeting in The Braid as ‘an approval’ by the Planning Service, proposes extensions to the existing convenience store, alterations and extension to car parking and attended car wash facility.

The plan attracted four letters of objection and at the outset of discussion on its approval, Alderman Martin Clarke called for an office meeting for the objectors.

“The objectors are not objecting to the store, they like the store, but there is a problem with pedestrians and traffic,” said Ald. Clarke.

Responding, Senior Planning Officer Ms Cathy McKeary said that Roads Service was “content” with the application but that she would ask their representatives to attend the forthcoming office meeting to speak to the objectors.

Cllr Declan O’Loan said he and the Mayor (who was absent) both welcomed the proposed scheme.

Also giving it a welcome was Deputy Mayor, Cllr Beth Adger, who stated; “This has been a bottleneck for some time.

“This (plan) will do away with parking on the footpath and will create an entrance for lorries to go round. It will benefit the people of Queen Street and Antrim Road.”

And Cllr Tommy Nicholl said he was “pleased” that the application had come before council as an approval.

“I’m totally behind it,” he said.

Cllr Paul Frew, however, said he was supporting Cllr Clarke over the problem of traffic build up at the premises but added that the potential for flooding was also a concern.

“It’s very important that the objectors get to speak,” he said.

Ms McKeary, who agreed to set up the objectors’ meeting as soon as possible, confirmed to councillors that the four letters of objection received by the department had centred on the issues of flooding, car parking and general loss of amenity.