22251

change of use from vacant retail warehouse to motor showroom, on a site area of 696.6 s q m. The proposed development includes for internal alterations to existing floor layout to provide for car showroom, customer reception, offices, pre-delivery inspection / valeting, toilets and staff canteen. No increase in gross floor area arises and there are no changes to the elevations as part of the proposed development for the subject unit. The development includes all ancillary works to facilitate the development

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed motor showroom use is considered incompatible with the B2 'Retail Warehouse Park' zoning objective and contravenes national Retail Planning Guidelines regarding the sale of bulky goods.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed change of use to a motor showroom materially contravenes the B2 zoning objective for the site, which is specifically intended to provide for the development of a retail warehouse park.
  • The development is inconsistent with the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012 as car sales do not meet the definition of non-portable bulky goods required for retail warehouse locations.
  • Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar non-compliant developments that would undermine the vitality and viability of established town centres.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027Ashbourne Written StatementB2 Retail Warehouse Park zoning objectiveSection 11.14.6Section 11.14.4Retail Planning Guidelines 2012Section 4.11.2Annex 1: Definition of Bulky Goods

Decision Document Summary

Pargo Properties One Limited sought permission for the change of use of a vacant 696.6 sq.m retail warehouse (Unit 18) at Ashbourne Retail Park to a motor showroom including ancillary offices and staff facilities. Meath County Council refused the application because the proposed use is not compatible with the B2 'Retail Warehouse Park' zoning objective set out in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027. The planning authority determined that car sales do not constitute the sale of 'bulky goo...
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