Sprucefield: New drive-through restaurant and petrol station approved despite safety concerns

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s (LCCC) planning committee signed off on a greatly reduced application for the retail site on Monday (June 3).

Coal and oil distributor, the LCC Group Ltd, will construct a Go petrol station and car wash as well as a drive-through restaurant and coffee pod with 60 operational jobs created.

Councillors asked which outlets are to occupy the drive-through restaurant and coffee pod, but were told by a spokesperson for the developers that it has not been decided yet.

An earlier application at almost five times the site space included seven restaurant units, but this was scaled back following talks between the developers and council officers.

DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said: “The flow of traffic is something of a concern, but outside of that I would find it incredibly difficult to go against the recommendation for approval.”

UUP councillor Nicholas Trimble added: “I have concerns over access arrangements on to the site, which currently is a terrible situation.

“I still have reservations about this and think there could be a possibility for a better access solution as this one is not ideal.

“This will only be accessible for people coming out of Lisburn going south-bound, otherwise people will have to double back and that could cause a traffic incident or collision.

“I can’t sign off on it.”

SDLP councillor Pat Catney said: “We all have reservations, but I will support the recommendation”

The DUP’s Uel Mackin added: “I don’t really have much choice. I have serious reservations about exiting the site. It is extremely dangerous and I am very concerned, but I will support the application, reluctantly.”

A vote was taken with eight members for and two against.

News Catch Up: Monday 3rd June 2024