TRADERS APPEAL LIDL PLANS IN KANTURK[
RETAILERS ASSOCIATION LODGES APPEAL IN ATTEMPT TO REVERSE COUNCIL’S DECISION
THE retailers association RGDATA has thrown a spanner in the works in relation to a proposal by Lidl to expand their Kanturk retail operation.
Last month the German retail discount giant was granted permission by county council planners to demolish their 1,762 sq metre store on the Banteer Road, which was opened in 2008, and replace it with a new 2,962 sq metre outlet.
Under the proposal, the new building on the 3.2 acre site would incorporate an expanded 2,906 sq metre retail sales area incorporating an off-licence, bakery lobby, toilets, staff facilities, offices and storage areas on the ground floor.
Externally, the application made provision for parking for 144 cars and 45 cycles and motorcycles and a repositioned entrance for vehicles and pedestrians on the Banteer Road.
Last October RGDATA, the representative body for independent Irish retailers lodged a submission with the authority, objecting to the development on a number of grounds. These included concerns over zoning, the scale of the development, the implications for traffic volumes, and the impact that a larger store would have on existing retail in the town.
However, in their ruling planners decided the development would be in accordance with the objectives of the Cork County Development Plan and the zoning provisions of the Kanturk Electoral Local Area Plan.
They further ruled the planned development would “not adversely impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre, would not detract from the heritage of the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety.”
However, while planners ruled the development was in accordance with “proper planning and sustainable development” , they did impose 28 conditions with the planning approval. These related to issues such as road and traffic safety, the protection of existing amenities, both during and after demolition/construction, the prevention of flooding, the disposal of waste and noise pollution.
Lidl was also ordered to pay €58,813 under the council’s Development Contribution Scheme and a further €205,000 ‘special contribution’ for works not covered under the scheme, including road markings and works on the Kanturk Relief Road.
It has now emerged that RGDATA has lodged an appeal against the decision with the appeals board.
In a lengthy submission to An Bord Pleanála, RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley pointed out that the association supported “sustainable and strategic” retail development that was in line with retail planning guidelines and local retail strategies.
“This is in the best interests of local communities, local consumers and vibrant and vital local town centres, suburbs and villages,” wrote Ms Buckley.
The submission contended that the planned new store would be 68% larger than the existing one in terms of gross floor area.
“It can be deduced, therefore, that the proposed development is intended to have a much wider catchment area and customer base and will therefore result in a much greater retail impact on the existing shops operating in the town centre,” wrote Ms Buckley.
Other issues addressed in the submission included zoning and the scale and design of the development, with RGDATA also requesting that a ‘ Town Centre Health Check’ be undertaken before the any additional grocery/ convenience floorspace was considered in or on the outskirts of the town.
An Bord Pleanála is due to deliver its final ruling on the issue by Tuesday, August 8.
The submission can be viewed in its entirety by looking up the planning section at www.corkcoco.ie.