By Ryan Sands
A proposed £1.75m extension to Barbican Annalong has been approved. Submitted in April 2024, the Henderson Group Property application to further develop the Kilkeel Road petrol station and SPAR – creating five additional jobs in the process – was given the green light by council planners last week.
As well as an extension, the proposal included ‘internal alterations to the existing retail unit, a new fuel canopy and alterations to the existing forecourt parking area, and associated site works.’ A planning statement attached to the application highlighted that there will be ‘a range of internal alterations and small extensions to create a larger convenience store and standalone off-licence unit’, as well as ‘EUROSPAR’ rebranding and improvements to the elevations and the parking layout.
It stated that the development will meet ‘a need for improvement in terms of the retail environment’, citing ‘the provision of wider aisles, a more spacious layout, larger lobby, customer WC, and an improved choice of payment/checkout options.’ The document concluded: ‘The development represents an important investment of £1.75m approximately by the Henderson Group in this existing business. There will be an additional five jobs approximately created at the site.’
A planners’ report said that, given that the proposal is for ‘an extension and alterations to the existing premises’, it was ‘considered that the retail use is established and the principle of development is acceptable on the site’. It added that the proposed development is ‘an investment in the existing business and is consistent with the role and function of Annalong as a village within the area plan.’
‘It is considered that this business is an important asset for Annalong, providing convenient shopping for the village and its rural hinterland and additional passing trade along the A2, and will complement other village shops and services on the Kilkeel Road, Glasdrumman Road, and Main Street,’ the document read.
‘The design, nature and scale of the additional retail floorspace (just over 200 square metres) will enhance the vitality and viability of Annalong, whilst at the same time not adversely impacting upon the town centres of Kilkeel or Newcastle.’ The report also stressed that the proposal will ‘result in improvements to the elevations’ of the petrol station.
‘It is considered the proposed development will improve visual amenity through refurbished and attractive elevational treatments,’ it continued. ‘There will be no overshadowing or loss of amenity on neighbouring properties, and, overall, the proposed design and small increase in floorspace is considered appropriate to this village setting.’
One objection was submitted over the course of the application process. Concerns were raised in this about a potential increase in vehicle traffic and the need for the upgrading of sewage infrastructure; however, it was pointed out that Department for Infrastructure Roads had no objection to the proposal and that NI Water had confirmed that there is ‘available capacity at Annalong Coastal Wastewater Treatment Works’.
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