211347
development at a 0.84ha site at Maxol Service Station, Dublin Road, Castletroy, Limerick. The site is bounded to the north by the Dublin Road, to the east by undeveloped lands, to the south by the Castletroy Town Centre and to the west by a dwelling. The proposed development will consist of alterations to the existing one and two storey service station retail unit with deli, ancillary off-licence, storage and offices comprising a single storey extension(45.5sqm) and internal alterations to 79sqm of existing floor area to provide for a drive-thru restaurant(65spm) resulting in the reduction in the existing seating area, increased ancillary storage and office space; roof plant; additional signage comprising 4 no. internally illuminated signs on the front and east side facades(0.58sqm, 0.99sqm, 1.13sqm, 2.04sqm) and 1 no. illuminated sign inside the shopfront(1.15sqm). Total gross floor area of the service station retail unit, drive thru and ancillary uses to be 992sqm. The proposed development will also consist of the reconfiguration of the service station forecourt and site including: removal of totem sign, forecourt canopy and 6 no. pump islands, parcel kiosk and solid fuel store; relocation of AC plant and enclosure, control room, water tank, container, gas tank and enclosure, car wash bays, lance wash bay, and service bays; provision of 4 no. pump islands and a new forecourt canopy with integrated public lighting and internally illuminated signage, 22 no. bicycle parking spaces(10 no. covered), 1 no. coach and 2 no. HGV parking spaces, 4 no. covered EV car charging points, 20 no. additional car parking spaces(88 no. total), external seating and 11 no. free standing signs(1.7sqm, 1.42sqm and 2.25sqm) including 8 no. internally illuminated signs(2 no. x 0.68sqm double sided, 2 no. x 1.39sqm, 2.67sqm, 3.59sqm, 6.46sqm, and 14sqm double sided replacement totem); reconfiguration of existing vents, fills and hardstanding; revised vehicular and pedestrian circulation, including provision of a drive-thru lane, boundary treatments, hard and soft landscaping, changes to levels and all site development works above and below ground. Retention permission is sought for a 7.6sqm area currently in use as an electrical room
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development, particularly the drive-thru restaurant, would lead to traffic congestion and safety hazards on the R445 Dublin Road, a strategic regional route.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The intensification of use through the addition of a drive-thru facility would generate excessive traffic movements, leading to queuing and interference with the free flow of traffic on the R445.
- The proposed layout and scale of signage constitute overdevelopment of the site, which would be detrimental to the visual amenities and character of the surrounding suburban area.
- The applicant failed to sufficiently demonstrate that the development would not create a traffic hazard for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, at this busy junction.