2461137
for amendments to the previously permitted development (Kildare County Council Reg. Ref. 04/2631), at a site of approximately 0.43 hectares. The proposed development will consist of: the part-demolition of the single storey forecourt building (21 sq m) and the removal of external compounds, substation, car wash, storage shed, and totem signs; the construction of a 219 sq m extension to the forecourt building and revised facades resulting in a part-one/part-two storey building of 525 sq m to accommodate a retail unit (100 sq m net retail area, including a 9 sq m ancillary off licence), 3 No. restaurant/cafe areas (which will include the sale of hot and cold food for consumption on and off the premises) (1 No. to include a drive-thru facility), associated seating area, back of house areas, circulation spaces, and a substation/switch room (8 sq m); and the construction of an EV Charging Hub (consisting of 8 No. EV charging spaces, a canopy, ancillary plant, and substation). The development will also consist of revisions to the overall site layout resulting in: 23 No. car parking spaces (in addition to the EV Hub spaces); motorbike and bicycle parking spaces; revised vehicular circulation; relocated water and air services, offset fills and vents; external lighting; provision of an outdoor seating area; changes to levels, hard and soft landscaping, including revised boundary treatments; associated site servicing (water supply, foul and surface water drainage including surface water attenuation measures); all other associated site development works above and below ground. The development will also consist of 24 No. signs: 1 No. replacement 8.2 m high double-sided internally illuminated totem sign; 1 No. 4.8 m high double-sided internally illuminated freestanding sign; 8 No. charge point signs at the EV Hub; 9 No. signs fixed to the forecourt building (3 No. of which are illuminated); 2 No free-standing signs; 3 No. fixed signs. The proposed development also proposes to alter Condition No. 10 of KCC Reg. Ref. 04/2631, “The proposed café/ take – away hours of operation shall be 07.00 to 21.00. Reason: In the interests of the preservation of residential amenities and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”, to allow for the operation of the cafe/restaurants (including drive-thru) from 06.30-00.00 Monday to Thursday, and 24 hours Friday to Sunday. The development will also consist of a single storey temporary structure (72 sq m) to accommodat
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal involves the intensification of access onto a national road (N7) in a high-speed zone, which is contrary to national policy and poses significant risks to public safety and the operational efficiency of the road network.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The intensification of direct access to the N7 national road is contrary to the DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines and would adversely impact the capacity and safety of the national road network.
- The proposed development, due to its scale and location in a maximum speed limit zone, would endanger public safety by creating traffic hazards and driver distraction, exacerbated by a lack of designated HGV parking.
- Insufficient technical data was submitted to demonstrate that the development would not have a detrimental impact on the area, specifically regarding road safety audits, noise exposure levels, and surface water drainage management.