Residents voice their opposition to plans for a new Spar on Kirkwoods Road in Lisburn

A planning application has been submitted by the Henderson Group for the demolition of three houses on Kirkwoods Road and the development of a convenience store.

According to the application for the development at 1-5 Kirkwoods Road, the store will include 30 parking spaces, create 15 jobs, and is expected to attract 775 visitors a day.

Residents have been lodging objections, saying that the new store would increase traffic in the residential area, and that there are already stores close to the site of the proposed new shop.

Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford said he would be objecting to the planning application.

“Residents living around Magheralave Road and Kirkswood Road have raised serious concerns with me about the proposed new Spar planning application, particularly the potential for increased traffic and the impact that could have on road safety in the area,” he said.

“While the current application does not include the sale of petrol or diesel, many people locally are understandably worried that approving the development could open the door for that to change in the future.

"Over recent weeks I have been working closely with residents, meeting them directly, knocking every door in the area with the Alliance team to hear their views, and raising those concerns with both the Planning Department and DfI Roads.

"After listening to residents and considering the issues raised, Alliance and I will be opposing this application.

"Local people deserve to have their voices heard when decisions are being made that will affect the safety and character of their neighbourhood.”