Appeals Board approves new Aldi for Knocknacarra
The Planning Appeals Board has ignored the advice of one of its own senior inspectors and given the go ahead for a new Aldi supermarket and off licence in Knocknacarra.
Last May, following months of discussions, Galway City Council granted permission for a 1,540 square metre single-storey discount foodstore and off licence, as well as 93 parking spaces on the 1.6 acre site off the Western Distributor Road.
However, that decision was appealed by RGDATA – the group which represents small, family-owned businesses – on the grounds that retailing needs are already adequately serviced in the area and that it would adversely impact on the vitality and viability of the city centre as well as existing nearby outlets.
In his report to An Bord Pleanála, Senior Planning Inspector Robert Ryan said the building would represent a “poor quality form of development”.
“It is considered that the proposed development, by reason of its horizontal design emphasis, low scale, density and poor linkage when taken together with the creation of a large surface parking area, would represent a poor quality form of development in terms of visual amenity of property in the vicinity,” said Mr Ryan.
However, the Board over-ruled him, saying: “The height and design of the proposed retail unit would be acceptable within the context of a largely two storey residential hinterland.”
Planners ordered that the store can only operate between 9am and 9pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am to 7pm on Sundays.
“Any 24-hour operations shall be restricted to four weeks of each calendar year, the specific dates shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for written agreement in advance of commencement of trading, but shall be confined to times close to Christmas and Easter holiday period,” the Board said.
Restrictions have also been placed on construction hours, and any potential rock-breaking that may be required. Construction can only take place between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Rock-breaking schedules must be agreed with the Council in writing.
Wheel washing facilities must also be in place for construction machinery.
Vehicular access will be via the unnamed link road which links Bóthar Stiofáin and the ‘Gateway Galway’ retail centre (Dunnes, B&Q), and pedestrian access will be via that road and from the Distributor Road.
Permission already exists on the 1.6 acre greenfield site for a five-storey supermarket, offices and primary healthcare centre. However, Aldi admitted the plans are unviable as it cannot find a tenant for the medical facility. The plans were subsequently scaled back, but are valid until January 2019.