We will fight for our rights

Ian and Barbara Farris have been campaigning against the proposed service stations for almost two decades and now that the go ahead has been given for the development, they have taken legal advice, with a view to securing a judicial review and public enquiry into the decision.

Mr Farris said they were “disappointed” by the outcome and would be seeking to protect their human rights under the European Court of Human Rights.

“Under Article 8, it states ‘one has the right to expect a reasonable enjoyment of family life’ and under Protocol 1 Article 1, the court states ‘one had the right to peaceful enjoyment of one’s possessions’,” explained Mr Farris.

“We would assert the construction of these service stations, within 15 paces of our home, breaches both of these pieces of legislation and it is our intention to protect our rights.”

The go ahead was given for the development of two service stations on the M1 at a meeting of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee this week.

However, prior to the meeting and the official consent being given for the application, the Environment Minister Alex Atwood, had publicly welcomed the decision.

“New motorway service stations are a first for Northern Ireland. This will be good for travellers and good for jobs.

“Their development will also provide a significant boost to the local economy, with a potential investment of some £20 million.

“In bringing forward these recommendations my officials have been mindful that it is crucial that the planning system delivers for applicants who, despite difficult conditions, have the confidence to invest in Northern Ireland and provide significant employment generating activities,” he continued.

“These large scale investment applications were submitted after detailed pre-application discussions between my officials and the applicants and represent another example of how DOE Planning is providing a speedier, more cost effective and more responsive service for everyone.

“These applications were turned around in just under 12 weeks, exceeding the Programme for Government commitment of six months.”

Over the years the site of the service stations has changed hands on a number of occasions.

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It has also been subject to rulings by the Planning Appeals Commission, which attached conditions to the approval.

This latest application was submitted late last year by Petrogas Ltd, who currently operate all the motorway service areas on the island of Ireland under the Applegreen brand.

This decision to approve phased development means that the filling stations can be opened in advance of the other facilities. The previous consents required the proposals to be completed in their entirety before these could open.