Tesco expanison plan still not there say residents

Benson Street Residents' Group said they agreed with planning committee chairman Ronnie Crawford that after a five-year battle against the scheme, all sides have now reached "the final rung of the planning ladder!"

"But the final rung is always a delicate and dangerous place to be - someone could fall off" the group said.

"It was evident at last week's meeting that this process, though nearing its climax, is not yet complete."

And they said there are outstanding issues including an additional plan from Tesco showing a new exit onto the roundabout which would have to be approved by the Roads Service.

The group also pointed out although the Management Board of the Planning Service refused Lisburn Council's request to examine their referral the Planning Service itself has still has to make the final decision.

"We understand that last time they recommended approval senior planners were divided on it" claimed the group who also asked why there were no objections to the expansion from Lisburn city centre shops.

"Environmental Health issues (noise and pollution) as well as intermittent traffic congestion are still high on the agenda. Drivers are not looking forward to more stress and frustration at the roundabout after schools reopen" the group said.

"Increased Traffic remains a major concern for hundreds of local residents. Benson Street and Causeway End Road are still categorised as 'unlisted/third class' thoroughfares though the volume and type of traffic is similar to A-class roads nearby and elderly residents and the nearby Hillside Court Fold continue to express their concern about the chaotic traffic situation at Tesco Roundabout being a potential hazard to emergency vehicles."

The residents' group are suggesting that parking areas adjoining Benson Street, Hillside Gardens and the new area opposite Hillside Court be closed between 10pm and 7am and that only the larger car park at the front of Tesco remain open at night.

"This would greatly benefit the residents of 50 homes on Tesco's boundary who now have to put up with excessive night time noise, and Planning are favourable towards our request" they said.

"As the Ulster Star already reported, we (and MLA's) have approached the Minister of the Environment to intervene and we hope this will bring positive results.

"We may be on the last rung of the ladder but we haven't fallen off yet."