22103

The development was refused primarily because it constitutes an inappropriate out-of-town retail development that undermines the vitality and viability of Athlone's designated retail core, lacks sustainable transport connectivity, and features obtrusive signage that impacts visual amenity and road safety.

• The proposed retail use at this out-of-town location would compromise the regeneration of the designated Athlone Retail Core and is contrary to the sequential approach and retail hierarchy established in national, regional, and local planning policies.
• The development fails to provide safe and adequate pedestrian or cyclist connectivity to the public realm, posing a risk to traffic safety and failing to encourage a modal shift toward sustainable travel.
• The retention of extensive illuminated and roadside signage is considered visually obtrusive, injurious to the amenities of the area, and would set an undesirable precedent for similar unauthorized developments.