2460181
The development will consist of: • The construction of a single storey discount foodstore (to include off-licence use) comprising a gross floor area of 1908sq.m (net retail area of 1356sq.m) incorporating an internal plant room, warehouse area, freezer store, chiller store, ancillary office area and staff room; • Provision of one no. vehicular entrance from Castlebar Road and the provision one no. vehicular and one no. pedestrian access from Kiltimagh Road, which will be served by 112 no. car parking spaces including 7 no. disabled accessible bays, 9 no. family bays, 4 no. electric vehicle bays and 18 no. cycle spaces; • Erection of internally mounted illuminated signage (two no.) and totem pole mounted external signage (two no.); the provision of roof mounted solar panels (90sq.m) and erection of associated ESB sub-station (22sq.m); • Provision of landscaping, boundary treatments, trolley bay, bin storage, external plant enclosure, loading bay, connection to existing services and all other ancillary works necessary to facilitate the proposed development • The Planning Application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is located outside the designated Core Shopping Area, posing a threat to the vitality of the traditional town centre, and presents unresolved traffic safety issues regarding HGV access and pedestrian connectivity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site's location outside the 'Core Shopping Area' would lead to an over-concentration of retail development, detrimental to the vitality, viability, and attractiveness of Swinford's traditional town centre.
- The proposed HGV delivery arrangements, involving reversing maneuvers from the public road, would create a traffic hazard and interrupt the free flow of traffic, endangering public safety.
- The development fails to provide meaningful pedestrian connectivity to the town centre, reinforcing a car-based development pattern contrary to 'Smarter Travel' and sustainable transportation objectives.