21/7462
The development will consist of the construction of (i) a single storey retail unit of c. 3739sq/m gross floor area (C. 1626 sq/m convenience net sales area and C.775 sq/m comparison net sale area) including a licensed alcohol sales area, bulk store, ancillary offices, staff facilities, cage marshalling area, recycling area, bin storage, service yard, and associated directional signage; (ii) 1 no café/restaurant with takeaway facilities and external seating (c.323 sq/m gross floor area) and 1 no retail unit (c.259 sq/m gross floor area) all contained in a single storey building fronting courthouse road (iii) internally illuminated elevation signage on the northern and southern elevations, and wall mount signage at the vehicular entrance; (iv) 150 no. car parking spaces (including parent and toddler, disabled and electric parking spaces ), 72 no. cycle parking spaces and set down/loading bay areas; (v) click and collect set down area with canopy structure and associated signage; (vi) upgraded signalized junction at the vehicular access off mill road and set down/ loading bay along courthouse road (vii) landscaping including a public plaza linking Courthouse Road and Mill Road (viii) pedestrian access points off Mill Road and through a landscaped urban space along Courthouse Road frontage linking with a new toucan crossing and (ix) ESB substation and switch room, attenuation tank, feature and street lighting, plant, trolley shelter/bays and all ancillary site development works, landscaping, enabling works and site services. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) are submitted with the application.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission as the development is consistent with the 'Town Centre/Neighbourhood Centres' zoning objectives, represents appropriate redevelopment of a designated underutilised brownfield regeneration site (FY-RA-02), and complies with the retail hierarchy and sequential approach set out in the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal constitutes an acceptable and sustainable use of a centrally located, underutilised brownfield site that is specifically zoned for town centre expansion and regeneration.
- The development is consistent with the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities, supporting the vitality and viability of Fermoy as a 'Ring Town' by providing a balanced mix of uses and enhancing the public realm.
- The Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment conclude that the development will not have significant adverse effects on the environment or the integrity of European sites (specifically the Blackwater River SAC) provided mitigation measures are implemented.