Rep says builders merchant will double its workforce in new premises
A former Lidl supermarket in East Belfast is to be converted into a builders merchant.
Elected representatives at the October meeting of the Belfast City Council Planning Committee, held this week at City Hall, unanimously approved an application by Heron Property Ltd of Draperstown for the former Lidl supermarket at 41 Montgomery Road, in the Castlereagh area.
The successful application proposes extensions and alterations to the former Lidl building and change of use to builders merchant premises with external stock yard, acoustic fence and associated site works. JP Corry intends to relocate from their current Grove Street East location to the site.
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Two extensions are proposed to the front of the building, facing Castlereagh Road. One will be predominantly glazed whilst the other facilitates a new roller shutter door to the warehouse.
None of the statutory consultees had any objections to the application. Council planning officers recommended the application for approval.
One local resident from Clonduff Drive, to the east of the application site, raised concerns focusing on noise from the resultant development and the operating hours of the proposal.
Council officers said JP Corry would be closed on Sundays, and added the hours proposed by the builders merchant were “considered to be a significant reduction.” In addition, following negotiation with officers, an acoustic barrier has been added along the boundary closest to Clonduff Drive.
A representative for the applicant said at the Planning Committee meeting: “JP Corry has a rich history in Northern Ireland, spanning over three centuries. It is one of the leading builders merchants in Northern Ireland and has been looking for an alternative site in this area for some period of time.
“The application site is strategically located along an arterial route, and would be much more accessible than its current location. The larger premises will allow JP Corry to double its workforce from eight jobs to 16.”
She added: “The proposal to reuse and enhance the existing building, brings the site back to one which positively contributes to the commercial character of the area.”
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