2460001
Permission for development which consists of: 1/ The construction of an additional single storey retail wing, to the west of an existing 2 storey retail and commercial block. The proposed new retail wing will comprise of 1,852m² of gross internal floor area with the existing and proposed blocks being inter-connected by an atrium lobby measuring 230m². 2/ Modifications to the existing surface car park area, including the ramp access to the existing basement car parking. Modifications to the existing hard and soft landscaping and the provision of additional hard and soft landscaping to the site. 3/ Modifications and connection to all other associated site services. 4/ All ancillary site works to facilitate the development
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal represents an inefficient use of serviced land in a designated District Centre due to its low density and single-storey nature, and failed to provide necessary environmental screening.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed single-storey development fails to achieve the higher densities required for a designated District Centre, representing an inefficient use of finite, serviced urban land.
- The applicant failed to submit an Appropriate Assessment (AA) screening report, meaning the Planning Authority could not be satisfied that the development would not adversely affect European protected sites.
- The proposal does not align with the objectives of the Galway City Council Urban Density and Building Heights Study or the pilot decarbonisation project for the Westside area.