24476

the change of use of Unit 6 from retail warehouse to open comparison retail and amalgamate the unit into Unit 5 (Dunnes Stores) resulting in the increased comparison sales area of unit 5 from 2,447 sqm to 3,092 sqm (uplift of 645 sqm). The access doors of Unit 6 will remain in place but will be closed. Access by the general public to the proposed amalgamated unit would be via the existing Dunnes Stores access in Unit 5. All works associated with the proposed development including the removal of the internal dividing wall

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed change of use from retail warehouse to open comparison retail at an out-of-centre location contravenes the established retail hierarchy and the sequential approach to retail development.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposal is contrary to the Retail Strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area, which specifically restricts retail warehouse parks to the sale of bulky goods.
  • The applicant failed to demonstrate through a robust sequential test that the proposed open comparison retail could not be accommodated within the City Centre or designated District Centres.
  • Granting permission would undermine the vitality and viability of Limerick City Centre and set an undesirable precedent for the incremental conversion of retail warehouse units to general retail use.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy ECON O22Policy ECON O26Objective ECON O28

Decision Document Summary

Better Value Unlimited Company (Dunnes Stores) sought permission to amalgamate Unit 6 with the existing Unit 5 at Limerick One Shopping Park, Childers Road, involving a change of use from retail warehouse to open comparison retail. The proposal would have increased the comparison sales area by 645 sqm. The application was refused as the site is designated for bulky goods retailing; the expansion of open comparison retail in this out-of-centre location conflicts with the Limerick Development Plan...
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