Core Planning Reasoning
The development is recommended for grant as it is consistent with the 'Major Town Centre' (MC) zoning of the site, complies with the retail hierarchy and sequential approach for Balbriggan, and would not negatively impact traffic safety or the visual amenities of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal represents an acceptable densification of commercial use on appropriately zoned 'Major Town Centre' lands, providing increased retail choice for the local population.
- The split-level design effectively responds to challenging site topography and infrastructural constraints while delivering an active shop frontage and passive surveillance at key elevations.
- Following a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, it is concluded that the development will not adversely affect the integrity of the North-West Irish Sea SPA, provided that proposed mitigation measures and construction management plans are strictly implemented.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective DMSO5Policy EEP32Objective EEO89Objective EEO90Objective EEO93Objective EEO94Objective EEO95Objective DMSO95Objective DMSO8Objective DMSO12Objective DMSO14Objective DMSO15Objective DMSO194Policy CSP34Policy CSP36Objective CSO51Objective CSO55Objective CSO56Objective DMSO126Objective DMSO241Objective DMSO52
Decision Document Summary
Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited proposed the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a 2,448 sqm gross floor area discount retail store with an undercroft car park (70 spaces) at Stephenstown, Balbriggan. The site is a brownfield, sloping 0.53ha plot bordered by the Bracken River. While third-party appellants (KT Designs and RGDATA) raised concerns regarding retail oversaturation, traffic congestion at the Church Roundabout, and poor streetscape animation, the Inspector found th...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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