215363
The construction of a modern service station comprising a one storey forecourt building, a forecourt with canopy, 6 pump islands, 3 underground fuel tanks; electric vehicle charging stations; parking for vehicles, coaches and HGV’s; and signage. A new access road is proposed onto the L-92004-0 road and improvement works are proposed to the existing entrance onto the N20 Road, including provision of a right-hand turning lane on the N20 Road. The forecourt building includes: (1) retail shop; (2) delicatessen; (3) restaurant with drive through facilities and drive through lane; (4) internal seating and dining area; (5) sale of hot and cold food for consumption both on and off the premises from the delicatessen; (6) ancillary space for staff, office and storage; (7) toilet facilities; (8) service yard with bin storage; and (9) external seating area. The proposal will also comprise of all associated ancillary site development works including pedestrian access, internal roads and round-about, parking, footpaths, crossings, landscaping and boundary treatments, and drainage. A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused primarily due to its prematurity pending the final determination of the N/M20 and N72/N73 road layout options, its potential to undermine the vitality of Mallow Town Centre by acting as a destination retail offering, and the failure to demonstrate that it would not adversely affect the integrity of the Blackwater River SAC.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is premature pending the finalization of the route corridors and designs for the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Road Improvement Scheme and the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road.
- The scale and nature of the proposed retail and drive-thru facilities would attract short local trips and create an edge-of-town destination, conflicting with national policy and harming the viability of the Mallow Town Core.
- Due to the absence of up-to-date site-specific scientific data (electrofishing and hydrocarbon contamination surveys), it cannot be concluded beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the development would not adversely affect the Blackwater River SAC.