Bid to block plans for Aldi store in Knocknacarra

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The representative association for independent family-owned grocery outlets is blocking plans by Aldi to open a store in Knocknacarra. RGDATA has lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanála objecting to planning permission for the discount foodstore and off-licence at Knocknacarra District Centre. The City Council had already granted planning permission to Aldi for the store on a site bounded by the Western Distributor road and a link road to Bóthar Stiofán. Planners had imposed 21 conditions on the development including a requirement that a revised layout for the site be submitted to the Council which displayed the car parking areas as paved. RGDATA argues to An Bord Pleanála that the Aldi foodstore would result in an excessive amount of convenience retailing in the city and western suburbs. It also raises concern about the absence of a Retail Impact Statement and that the development would be unsustainable use of zoned land. An Bord Pleanála is expected to make a decision on the future of an Aldi store at Knocknacarra District Centre in October.