Over 100 objections lodged to plans for new petrol station

Plans have been lodged to demolish ‘Ashcroft House’ in the Waterside and replace it with two retail units and a hot food unit.

There are also plans to construct a petrol station and associated parking. It is understood the plans have been lodged with Derry and Strabane District Council by Henderson Group Property.

The group describes itself as specialists in the acquisition and development of retail outlets, particularly petrol forecourts and neighbourhood retail schemes.

So far, there have been 106 objections lodged to the plans. One local woman said that if the plans are approved it will ‘shatter all my hopes and dreams for my forever home’. The woman, who does not wish to be named, purchased a newly built property off the Belt Road almost two years ago.

“I thought really hard before buying my first home as I wanted to live in the perfect area- not too noisy, clean, friendly and a welcoming environment to call a home. I didn’t know this could change two years later.

“If the plans are approved I believe it will have a detrimental effect to my health and general well being, as there are risks associated to living close to a petrol station, and may lead to anti-social behaviour in the area.”

The ‘Journal’ asked the Henderson Group for a response to the objectors’ concerns but none had been received as the paper went to Press on Monday.