Construction of Tesco store in Dungarvan is refused
An Bord Pleanala has refused planning permission for the construction of a new Tesco store in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
Following a review from An Bord Pleanala, planning permission has been refused for the construction of a new Tesco store in Dungarvan.
Planning permission was originally granted for the development in January of this year, however, following the submission of appeals in February, the development became subject to An Bord Pleanala inspection.
The plans, which were submitted by Shane Houlihan in November 2023, outlined the intent to develop the 1.49 hectare space on part of the former Glanbia site on Richard A. Walsh Street in Dungarvan.
Plans involved the construction of an anchor convenience and comparison retail store with approximately 2,319 sqm net retail sales area. A café was also planned, as was a carpark with 165 spaces and bicycle parking.
A new vehicular entrance for customers and service/deliveries was also planned, alongside the provision of an ESB sub-station/switch room and store signage.
Planning reports outlined that the aim of the development "was to create an urban street, which caters for all local needs and the wider area needs, provide employment and secure a good physical environment for the people who live there, and those who will live and work there in the future."
Appeals to the development outlined various concerns, including the development's potential to undermine the existing retail provision in Dungarvan town centre and its potential to create road safety issues. Appeals also suggested that the development could generate increased traffic congestion in an already heavily congested area.
The recently published An Bord Pleanala report says: "It is considered that the development, as proposed, which is almost entirely retail in nature and of very low density relative to the land take of the overall regeneration site, would not deliver a strong architectural design as a key landmark or gateway to the town, or provide a high density of mixed uses, including employment, tourism, residential and retail."
