PSNI station extension rejected by Council

An example of how the Extrudakerb barrier would look.

The proposal put before the committee was for a two storey custody suite with vehicle dock and associated parking within the existing site.

Pedestrian access from the Crescent Link and a 900 metre ‘Extrudakerb’ barrier alongside the roadside boundary were also included in the proposal.

The proposal also included the re-location of the existing bus stop further to the east along the Crescent Link.

Councillors from Sinn Fein, SDLP and DUP all expressed concerns over the erection of the 900 metre ‘Extrudakerb.’

“The report said there will be a requirement on the development proposals to make a positive contribution to townscape,” said Sinn Fein Colr. Christopher Jackson.

“I don’t see how, what is essentially a big wall, can be regarded as a positive contribution.”

SDLP Colr. Brian Tierney described the security barrier as a “monstrosity.”

“I think it’s fair to say that this committee is not against the building of a new custody suite - we are against what can only be described as a monstrosity in the middle of the road,” said Colr. Tierney.

“There has to be a better way to do this and I think the best thing to do would be to ask that applicant comes up with a plan that addresses the concerns we have about this big wall,” he added.

The proposal was unanimously rejected by the Planning Committee and the applicant, Estate Services Business Unit, will now be given the opportunity to submit a new planning application.