Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council planning committee unanimously approved a £6.5m development for a Eurospar convenience store, petrol station and community hub near Ballymaconaghy Road in Belfast.

The project by the Henderson Group includes a neighbourhood centre with two retail units. The group operates 15 similar Eurospar sites in Northern Ireland.

A report to the committee recorded 246 objections on the planning portal. Objections cited environmental impact, noise pollution and increased traffic.

An applicant spokesperson stated no public consultation occurred initially, leading to objections, but a voluntary consultation yielded 10 more.

The committee heard sound barriers, a planting scheme and traffic safety measures will address concerns. An agent assured no lorries would use residential shortcuts.

Councillor Pat Catney raised fears of lorries using shortcuts through residential areas. A council officer noted the area fits a 1996 master-plan with planned travel routes.

Councillor Daniel Bassett requested traffic lights. Officers confirmed signal lights near a nearby housing development by PWD Developments Ltd.

The committee also approved 26 properties on a site between Brooke Hall and Brooke Hall Heights in Castlereagh, described as the final piece for those lands.