Plans approved for retail development in Tuam despite appeal

Galway Bay fm newsroom – An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for a retail development on the Cloontooa Road in Tuam. The higher planning authority has given the go-ahead despite an appeal from RGDATA who argued the development would have a negative impact on the established town centre. The plans by applicant Regalview (Tuam) Ltd include a supermarket unit and two retail units with associated site access and carparking. Galway County Council had granted permission for the development in February. However RGDATA lodged an appeal and argued that it would have a profound negative impact on the existing designated and estabished town centre. The body also stated that it does not adhere to the principles and provisions of the Retail Planning Guidelines and the policies and objectives set out in the County Development Plan for 2009 to 2015. An Bord Pleanala has now granted permission for the project with 18 conditions attached. It concluded that the development would not seriously injure the amenities of the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.