CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a petrol station in the small village of Balloo, viewed as ‘detrimental’ to the character of the area, have been shelved – at least for now.
The planning application proposed a new petrol filling station and retail space at the well-known McCann’s Spar shop premises on the Comber Road, but many residents felt its scale was ‘totally inappropriate’.
The application, originally approved in 2020, proposed the demolition of existing buildings to make way for the new development, but attracted more than 100 objections.
Alliance MLA Nick Mathison, who has been supporting local residents fighting the development, has welcomed news of the withdrawal of the application.
Mr Mathison said he hoped the move ‘reflects the fact that residents’ concerns have finally been heard’.
“This proposal has sparked debate for a number of years because many people feel strongly that the existing buildings, including McCann’s shop, are part of the identity and character of Balloo village,” he said.
“Residents have never argued against investment or improvement in the area. The concern has always been about the scale and nature of what was proposed, particularly the demolition of existing buildings to make way for a large development and petrol station which many felt was unnecessary in this location,” he added.
The politician said there was a ‘strong view locally that there is scope for a more balanced approach’, but stressed any plans to modernise and improve retail provision would have to ‘respect the heritage and character of the village’.
“We understand revised proposals could still come forward, but I hope this provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement with residents and for a rethink around what is appropriate for the site,” he said.
Councillor Rachel Ashe, who has also been supporting locals to voice their opposition, agreed.
“I’m relieved that the current planning application has been withdrawn and that these historic buildings will receive a welcome reprieve, and I commend the dedication of the local community who have spoken up with their concerns about this development,” she said.
She conceded that while the developer ‘may yet choose to resubmit revised proposals’, she hoped the ‘withdrawal provides an opportunity to properly reconsider what is appropriate for the site and what best reflects the wishes of the local community’.
Local historian Lesley Simpson, who was among local residents who publicly objected to the development said she was ‘very pleased sense has prevailed’, but is also aware the saga may not yet be over.
“However, we would wait to hear more because we don’t quite believe it is all over.”
She also praised the efforts of Mr Mathison and Ms Ashe. “We would like to state how pleased we were, that they were really very good in supporting us, and we want to thank all the local people who put in objections to the development,” she said.
The Chronicle reached out to McCanns for comment.
