New Lidl store gets planning green light
M1 RETAIL PARK PREMISES TO BE REPLACED BY TWO-STORY FACILITY
A NEW two-storey Lidl store at the M1 Retail Park - to match the one on the Donore Road - has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanala after an appeal by the Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association (RGDATA) was turned down.
They had appealed the original decision by Louth CC to grant permission.
Lidl intend to demolish the present store and build a new facility, similar to their second premises in the town.
The grounds of appeal argued that the proposal would not contribute to enhancing the vitality and viability of Drogheda town centre due to its size and scale and will ‘exacerbate increased vacancy rates on the physical fabric of the town centre.’
It was claimed that Drogheda Town Centre has suffered loss of business and footfall over the last number of years and there are currently four discount foodstores in the immediate vicinity of Drogheda Town.
It was argued that no new large convenience stores should be permitted in the absence of a proper town centre health check.
However, given that Lidl already have a store on site, it was felt the proposed development would ‘ be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.’
The Board decided, by a majority of 5-2, to grant permission generally in accordance with recommendations with some conditions, including that the net retail sales area for the proposed development shall not exceed 1,690 square meters.
The proposed store shall not operate outside the hours of 8am and 10pm, Monday to Saturday inclusive and 9am and 9pm on Sundays.
There had been a proposal to throw out the appeal from RGDATA but the inspector felt that it made a number of valid points that should be addressed.