2360138
Permission for the development consisting of the construction of a single storey supermarket with an ancillary off-licence sales area. This will include the revision of the existing vehicle entrance and pedestrian entrance, the provision of surface level car parking spaces (including electrical vehicle charging spaces and the prewiring of other spaces to accommodate future EV parking), cycle stands, trolley bay, hard and soft landscaping, ESB substation building, site lighting, external mechanical plant area, external bin compound area, roof mounted photo voltaic panels, advertising signage including a “flagpole sign”, retaining walls and all associated site works. The development includes all site engineering works, drainage, water supply and SUDS works at
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal for a standalone, single-use supermarket materially contravenes the 'District Centre' zoning objectives which require an integrated mixed-use development, and it fails to meet design, connectivity, and sustainable transport standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed standalone supermarket fails to provide the integrated mixed-use development required by the 'District Centre' zoning objectives and would set an undesirable precedent for piecemeal development.
- The development is excessively car-dependent and fails to promote active travel or provide necessary connectivity to surrounding lands, contrary to the principles of the Smarter Travel Initiative.
- The generic design approach lacks architectural merit and fails to create a high-quality urban space or a unique sense of place, resulting in an adverse visual impact on the commercial area.