Mid Ulster District Council’s planning committee has granted outline planning permission for a small business park on the outskirts of Coalisland.
Appearing before Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, November 1, the application was lodged by O’Callaghan Planning on behalf of Eurosprings Ltd on Monday, August 17, 2020.
The application seeks outline permission to erect a small business park to include light and general industrial use/assembly/storage and businesses premises (20,000sq ft total) with parking, turning, loading, new access, boundary treatments and site works including a landscaped buffer adjacent to Eurosprings at 127 Ballynakilly Road.
Members of the committee were advised the Ballynakilly Road provides a link between Coalisand and the M1 and the site is located approximately half way between both. The area of the site is defined by “dispersed single dwellings, agricultural land and sporadic roadside industrial developments peppered along Ballynakilly Road”.
According to the report, “due to the size of the site and the proposed floorspace, the proposal is deemed a local application and does not fall within the major category for development”.
It was also explained that no third party objections or representations had been received in relation to this application.
With regards to anchor tenants at the proposed site, the report notes Eurosprings will play the role of both anchor and developer of the proposal and described the local manufacturer as “an established and successful local business that has been on the adjoining site for well over 10 years.
“During this time the business has grown significantly, and expansion of this business had been granted permission. Eurosprings is also support by Invest NI and is a significant employer in this locality.
“The units will likely be occupied by subsidiary or complimentary companies that are associated with the operations of Eurosprings, and this will help with efficiency savings and supply chain issues with the current operations.”
The case officer goes on to say “I am of the view this proposal has a realistic potential of being realised, that there are funds available to implement the project, that the units will be utilised by local businesses, that they will contribute to the local economy and will be supported by the local community.”
With a recommendation to approve the application provided by the planning officer and no objections noted, Councillor Christine McFlynn proposed the application was approved and this proposal was seconded by Councillor Derek McKinney with the chamber before the chamber voiced its support.
