Residents are split on a filling station and store on Killycomain Road, Portadown, after some planning rule issues.
Roxborough Plant lodged the plan for John Curran. The council got lots of feedback on it. Neighbors were split about this big complex. It would be near homes.
Sixty people sent letters against it. Traffic and noise worried them. Doug Beattie MLA also objected. Thirty-seven folks supported it. They saw it boosting the area.
The plan includes several things. A store and hot food area are included. They also planned for a fuel store and gas pumps. A canopy and turning lane will be built. The puffin crossing and sidewalk will be wider.
Officials said the plan breaks some rules. However, it could improve retail options there. The council sees it as better than prior plans. Those plans had more retail units; it also upgrades ATM, parking, and works.
The retail store and filling station improve the site. Officials think the project contrasts local plans, as retail is proposed on land for housing. The SPPS guidelines are also ignored. They say retail isn’t needed there.
The applicant already had a fall-back plan. The new plan betters that idea. It impacts retail space and design and reduces the impact on the neighborhood. Officials think related harm can be managed, and permission was granted with some rules.
To protect residents, rules were added. The store can only open 7 AM to 11 PM. This covers Monday to Sunday. Deliveries cannot happen 11 PM to 7 AM.
Construction is limited. Work can occur 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Friday. Saturdays allow 7 AM to 1:30 PM. Sundays and holidays have a ban. The shop must relate to the gas pumps.
Council members saw the shop as key. It’s part of a complex that will also include a gas station. Only convenience goods and non-alcoholic drinks can be sold there.
Acoustic fences will reduce noise. Lights must turn off at 11 PM to 7 AM. Trucks cannot deliver at peak hours, specifically 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM, plus 5 PM to 6 PM.
Peter Lavery wondered about the crossing’s spot, as it is near road junctions. He asked about pedestrian safety in this busy area.
An engineer shared the crossing’s design idea. The design considers walkers and drivers. The Killycomain Drive turning lane felt narrow, and cars blocked main road traffic. The lane will grow into the site; through traffic won’t face delays.
The shop moved closer to the road. Walkers won’t walk through parking or the gas station. The crossing helps pedestrians go on walking trips, and the present crossing guides people on road trips.
Lavery said this is far better than the prior plan. Several nearby schools exist, including Portadown College with loads of walkers, Bocombra PS, and Killicomaine JHS.
He stated a dire need for a crossing. Lavery and Moutray walked roads nearby. They guided visually-impaired people. The hard road crossings highlighted junctions. Higher fences and rules improve road opening deals. He supports the approval with a strong showing.
Kevin Savage shared his views again, stating betterment plays a part in thought. Rules improve that area, and betters road developments for everyone.
Paul Duffy proposed to approve the plan. Lavery immediately seconded the road proposal.