Core Refusal Reason
The proposed retail use is fundamentally incompatible with the 'Industrial and Warehousing' zoning objective and would undermine the retail hierarchy and viability of Portlaoise Town Centre.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed retail use is classified as 'not normally acceptable' within the 'Industrial and Warehousing' zoning objective, and no exceptional circumstances were demonstrated to justify a departure from the Development Plan.
- The development would undermine the vitality and viability of Portlaoise Town Centre by facilitating retail growth in an inappropriate industrial location, contrary to the established retail hierarchy.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for further non-conforming retail developments on industrial lands, which would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027Table 13.1Table 13.2Table 13.3Table 7.2Policy RTP 1Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2018-2024
Decision Document Summary
The applicant proposed a change of use for part of an industrial unit in Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, to accommodate a retail shop, new shop front, and additional office space. The site is specifically zoned for 'Industrial & Warehousing' under the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027. The Planning Authority refused the application because retail use is not compatible with this zoning and would conflict with Policy RTP 1, which seeks to protect the commercial core of Portlaoise Town C...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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