Councillors refuse planning for Tempo Road filling station

The application from Raymond Pauley was discussed at a recent meeting of Council's Planning Committee, where representations were made in support of and against the application. 

The application proposed the demolition of a dwelling to make way for a filling station, associated parking, ancillary development and the "alteration of access". 

Representing the applicant was Consultant, Les Ross, who told the chamber that a "modern filling station" was needed in the area. 

"There is a considerable amount of new developments in this area. There are a number of new housing developments in the pipeline and New Devenish College, and all are transformative," he said. 

"Modern petrol filling stations aren't just fuel sites; they act as neighbourhood focal points where people get their convenience goods without having to go into the town centre. 

"This part of the town doesn't have a facility like this. In principle, on this busy road, it's a welcome proposal.

"Yes, it's beside a dwelling, but that's a very normal thing. From a design point of view, providing good a boundary segregates usages, and makes sure there are no unacceptable impacts on utility. 

"The proposal is in accordance with policy, and is acceptable in principle."

Mr. Ross said that the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has raised concerns in relation to the speed limit of the road, and it is "highly likely" that the limit will be reduced. 

"It's a fact that if the speed limit was reduced to 40 mph or lower, DfI would go back to their original stance and support the proposal", Mr. Ross said. 

"It's highly likely that the Tempo Road speed limit going to be reduced. There is a lot of support politically to improve safety at the new school, and that would resolve final issue of concern in application. 

Calling on Councillors to defer their decision on the application until December, Mr. Ross said: "This is a good scheme, compliant with all policies in terms of new planning strategy." 

Sinn Féin Councillor Stephen McCann asked Mr. Ross if there was any "concrete evidence" that the speed limit would be reduced by Christmas.

Referring to an email from DfI from August 25, Mr. Ross replied: "They (DfI) will arrange to have traffic counters placed on either side of college and are carrying out revised assessment of speed limit in conjunction with PSNI.

"What they are doing is with a view to reducing speed limits. It's fair to say it's imminent. We have a school there with a 50 mph limit; it stands to common sense that this is not an ideal arrangement in an urban area." 

However, Tempo Road resident Rhonda Young said she believed that previous planning refusals should be upheld. 

"Access arrangements prejudice road safety and significantly inconveniences the flow of traffic," said Ms. Young. "Adequate parking facilities are not provided due to the site being used as an overflow car park for the adjoining property. 

"Safety must come first. There were 71 road deaths in NI in 202, and Fermanagh and Omagh had the highest rate of death or serious injuries in 2021."

Ms. Young argued that a new petrol station would "reduce the economic viability" of Enniskillen town centre and neighbouring businesses. 

Declan Diamond, speaking on behalf of objectors, said safety concerns must take priority. 

"The application is for a substandard petrol filling station access on a highly trafficked 50mph road in Enniskillen. The applicant has submitted that the development has the potential to generate 500 vehicles per day, which equates to 200,000 vehicles per year. 

"Should council members overrule DfI roads, who are the overseeing authority on road safety, they should be confident that a substandard access will be safe 200,000 times per year at all weathers at all times of the day. Ultimately, the responsibility for road safety lies with members."

Sinn Féin Councillor Dermot Browne said he had "no faith" that speed issues on the Tempo Road would be resolved by December. 

"The main issue is road safety, and it is important that members are aware of the context of the application", the Councillor said. "The speed limit is 50 miles per hour, but unfortunately the speed cars is often in excess of this. 

"There is a school nearby. Myself and councillors have been calling for additional road safety in this area, but as of today, little to no safety measures have been introduced. We fear it is an accident waiting to happen. 

"I cannot see any just reason why members of this committee would disregard the expertise of Road Service, especially when children are involved."

Sinn Féin's John Feely also felt that it was unlikely that the speed limit will change by December. 

The Councillor said: "Devenish College is a relatively new build, and when it was getting planning I am assuming they had no problem building it on a 50mph zone. I wonder why, then, they would be changing it in the next three months?

"I find it hard to believe they will do it. I can't see it happening quick."

Ulster Unionist Party Councillor Robert Irvine proposed that the planning application be refused. 

"I have listened to information from officers, the application and agent. We don't work on speculation, and we don't know what will change. We do know that the current situation and that it is not compliant with traffic regulations in terms of safety."

This was seconded by the UUP's John McClaughry. 

"We can't work under possibilities and as Councillors we are aware of speed DfI and Road Service work at. I can't see anything happening by December."

Sinn Féin's Anthony Feely then proposed that the application was deferred until December, but was unable to find a seconder. 

The applicants have confirmed they will be appealing the decision by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.