Up against a brick wall

A MAN with severe disabilities faces having to sleep in his bed just four feet from the wall of the proposed new drive-thru restaurant in Cookstown.

Robert Allen who is 55-years-old lives with his mother, 78-year-old Jean at Killymoon Street, adjacent to the site of the new planned fast food restaurant, believed to be Kentucky Fried Chicken.

He lives in a specially adapted area of the house on the ground floor which faces directly onto the proposed site, only feet away from the existing wall.

Robert was a pedestrian when he was knocked down and left brain damaged at the age of 15 and he spent 16 weeks unconscious in the Mid-Ulster Hospital and 32 further weeks under their care for rehabilitation. As a result of his disabilities, Robert is unable to climb stairs and relies on his facilities on a daily basis.

The family spent around £20,000 of their own money, in addition to the grant awarded, in making the ground floor hospitable for Robert, just two years previously.

Robert also keeps his mobility scooter in a special shed in the yard which is only a few feet from the existing wall.

Jean’s concerns centre mainly on possible noise, litter and anti-social behaviour which may arise from the planned fast food unit which will be built on the site formerly occupied by Rodney Cole Motors.

Son Dessie spoke to the MAIL on behalf of his mother and brother, pointing out that the family has lived in this house for over 40 years and do not want to be forced out because of a fast food unit.

In a letter of objection to the DoE Planning Service, the family has raised several issues including the significant impact on privacy, noise and odour and fumes. Jean is also concerned with her son’s safety, given the increase in traffic that the drive-thru will generate.

“There’s a drive-thru already here, and we certainly don’t need another one,” said son Dessie. “Young lads out at night coming from nightclubs, will be urinating up against the wall and it’ll be a nightmare for us. These take-aways should be built on the edge of the town, not beside someone’s house.”

And with the drive-thru route taking customers around the unit in their vehicles, this means that cars will only be a few feet away from the family living room window and Robert’s bedroom window.

“We could be sitting looking out the window at the serving hatches!” said Dessie. “This house has been specially renovated for Robert’s needs - nobody else’s needs – he has a bedroom, a washroom and a shed out the back. And the footpaths all have ramps here, which makes it easier for Robert,” he said.

“If the unit was being renovated back into a garage, it wouldn’t be a problem, but to have a drive-thru when we already have one, it’s unbelievable.”

Dessie also pointed out that the renovation work will also impact upon their health and wellbeing.

“If they start to knock it down, the rubble could destroy this house - and the wrecking and the banging will be terrible,” he said. “They could be at it from 7am or 8am in the morning until 6pm at night,” said Dessie.

The family vow not to move from their beloved home.

Jean added: “At the end of the day, I’m 78 and I won’t be moving – at my age where would I move to?’

A spokesperson for the DoE Planning Service said the application for the erection of a restaurant and drive-thru at 45 Killymoon Street was received by the Department on April 15.

The Department has received three formal objection letters in respect of this application and it has consulted with statutory consultees including Roads, Environmental Health and NIEA Water Management Unit.

The Department is awaiting full consultation replies and therefore the application is still under consideration, according to the spokesperson.