Objections included concerns around environmental impact, noise pollution and increased traffic into the area
A Belfast Eurospar and community hub plans have been approved despite almost 250 objections amid increased lorry traffic “fear”.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee unanimously signed off on the application this week.
The new £6.5million development will include a convenience store and petrol station for the Henderson Group, which currently has 15 similar Eurospar sites in Northern Ireland.
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In chambers a spokesperson for the applicant said:”As this was a local application there had been no public consultation which led to many objections on the planning portal.
“However, following a voluntary public consultation there were only 10 further objections.
“This will mark a £6.5m investment with the opening of a Eurospar and a hub for community use.”
A report in chambers showed there had been “246 objections” to the plans. The development close to the “Ballymaconaghy Road, Belfast” includes a neighbourhood centre with two retail units.
Objections on the Northern Ireland planning portal included concerns around environmental impact, noise pollution and increased traffic into the area.
The committee was told that sound barriers and a planting scheme would be put into place as well as traffic safety measures.
Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney said: “You have said there are 14 other Henderson stores in this council area and I know of one at Fairview.
“There is a fear among people in the area that more lorries could start to use short cuts on the roads through residential areas. Will that happen with this store?”
An agent for the applicant responded: “This would not happen.”
A council officer added: “This area was included in a 1996 master-plan. “The travel routes have been well thought out.”
Castlereagh South Sinn Fein councillor Daniel Bassett asked the developer to consider putting new traffic lights in place.
The chamber heard that further traffic measures were being put in place, including signal traffic lights around a nearby housing development. This was in a second application by PWD Developments Ltd.
The committee approved 26 properties on a site between Brooke Hall and Brooke Hall Heights in Castlereagh. A council officer said: “This is the last piece of the jigsaw for these lands.”
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