Plans unveiled for new filling station and shops in Belfast
Plans have been unveiled for a new filling station and shop in the Four Winds area.
The Henderson Group has submitted plans to Lisburn[1] and Castlereagh City Council for the creation of 5,000 sq ft Eurospar Service Station on land off the Ballymaconaghy Road close to Knockbracken Golf Centre.
It would consist of two retail units, a hot food unit, a six-pump petrol filling station and four EV charging points.
However, Castlereagh South Alliance Councillor Michelle Guy has said that residents have voiced concerns regarding the scale of the development, with the community feeling it is being “exploited” by developers and commercial interests.
She said: “The size and scale of the proposal has shocked and upset local residents. The Ballymaconaghy Road and wider Four Winds community feels largely exploited by developers and commercial interests and neglected by local and regional government.
“I explained this context to Henderson’s and whilst genuinely appreciate that they made time to meet with the residents facing the greatest impact from their proposal, they seemed reluctant to accept their concerns or mine. They had run the numbers, concluded this was a commercially viable opportunity and believed support from the wider community would overwhelm the concerns of the small group of residents they spoke with.
“What has happened is the wider community have echoed these concerns. I have had contact from many residents today who are angry and upset. What residents want is open space and appropriate leisure/community facilities to create a sense of place and community.
“I have pressed the Council repeatedly, and for years now, to consult with residents and collaborate with developers to deliver facilities appropriate to the needs of this expanded community. They have so far failed to show any imagination or willingness to do this. It’s an utterly unsustainable position.”
A Henderson Group spokesperson said: “At Henderson Group, we are committed to enhancing neighbourhoods with our stores, their services and products.
“We invest in local communities to provide job opportunities and bring value to the doorsteps of shoppers when they need it most. We will continue to engage with the local community and work with them as plans progress for our new development on the Ballymaconaghy Road.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here[3] and sign up to our daily newsletter[4] here.
References
- ^ Lisburn (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ Pipe bomb explosion slammed as ‘reckless act’ (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ sign up to our daily newsletter (www.belfastlive.co.uk)