Green light for service station

AN Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the redevelopment of a service station in Kenmare, despite an objection from another service station and forecourt shop elsewhere in the area.

H2 Properties successfully applied to Kerry County Council last summer to demolish an existing, closed service station on the Killowen Road, and to redevelop the site to provide a new service station.

The proposal featured a new retail building including an off-licence, deli and seating area. The proposal also included two fuel islands and 20 car-parking spaces, and would open from 6am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 7am to 11pm on Sundays.

The applicant said the development would create 10 fulltime and eight part-time jobs.

Despite previously rejecting and application to redevelop the station, Kerry County Council this time granted permission subject to nine conditions, but this was appealed by Robert Whyte.

Mr Whyte’s Grounds of Appeal included concerns about design layout; a shortfall of car-parking; separation distances; and site boundaries.

The applicant asked the board to dismiss his appeal as the appellant “operates a service station with a forecourt shop elsewhere in Kenmare”.

The board said, however, the appeal should be assessed as normal.

The board granted permission subject to 10 conditions.

Among the reasons and considerations cited, the board said the proposed development would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities in the area.

The report also said the development would be acceptable in terms of pedestrian and traffic safety.