23135
construction of a single storey, supermarket with ancillary off-licence sales area. Provision of surface level car parking spaces, including electrical vehicle (EV) charging spaces and pre-wiring other spaces to accommodate future EV parking; cycle stands; trolley bay; hard and soft landscaping; boundary treatments including retaining structures; ESB substation building; site lighting; external mechanical plant area; roof mounted photovoltaic panels; all advertising signage including a “flagpole” style advertising sign at the proposed entrance. The development includes works to the boundary walls and grounds of Parkmore House (a Protected Structure) including the removal of sections of the existing boundary walls and a portion of the garden to create a new point of access from the R747 for the proposed supermarket. The development includes the provision of new timber gates within existing archways located generally to the south west of Parkmore House. The development includes all engineering works to increase levels on the site and drainage and SUDS works and the removal of the septic tank associated with Parkmore House and provision of a new foul connection to service the house. The application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development represents an inefficient use of 'TC Town Centre' zoned land due to its low-density single-storey scale, excessive surface car parking, and failure to provide a compact, high-quality urban form.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The single-storey scale and limited footprint of the supermarket relative to the site area do not meet the requirements for the efficient use and densification of town centre lands.
- The proposal fails to provide a compact, high-quality urban form or contribute to the consolidation of the streetscape, which is contrary to the objectives for the vibrancy and attractiveness of Baltinglass.
- The excessive level of surface car parking and the large land area dedicated to the entrance are unjustified and represent an inefficient use of strategically located zoned land.