2660308
development which will consist of: Alterations to the previously approved application granted under Reg. Ref. 21/93 for the following works: (i) construction of a drive-thru to serve the approved coffee shop; (ii) alterations to all external facades to alter glazing, material finishes, opes, and to provide for a collection point; (iii) provision of signage associated with drive-thru; (iv) alterations to internal layout of approved coffee shop; (v) provision of pedestrian access onto MacDiarmada Road and provision of pedestrian crossing to Burgess Park; (vi) relocation of mobility parking spaces and bike parking; (vii) removal of approved outdoor seating area and the provision of a new outdoor seating area along the eastern façade; (viii) landscaping, boundary treatments, signage, drainage and all ancillary works necessary to facilitate the development
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its inherently car-dependent nature in a central urban location and the failure to provide robust quantitative evidence demonstrating that the drive-thru facility would not adversely impact traffic circulation and pedestrian safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide adequate quantitative evidence, such as trip generation or queue modelling, to substantiate the claim that the development would have no material impact on traffic circulation or pedestrian safety.
- The drive-thru element is fundamentally car-oriented and encourages additional private vehicle trips in a prominent town centre location where sustainable modes of travel and active travel should be prioritised.
- The proposal is contrary to national, regional, and local planning policies, including the National Planning Framework and the Westmeath County Development Plan, regarding climate action, sustainable mobility, and the creation of compact, walkable urban cores.