Plans for new Lidl store in Waterford are thrown out
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission for a Lidl supermarket in the Gracedieu area of Waterford city.
Plans entailed the construction of a part single-storey and part two-storey discount Lidl foodstore with an off-licence.
Construction of an access road from Carrickphierish Road, serving the proposed development and to facilitate the future development of adjoining lands was also planned, as was a car parking area.
Planning documents submitted in July 2024 outlined that it was estimated the proposed Lidl store would provide up to 25 direct full-time jobs, generating in the order of €1 million per annum locally in wages, in addition to construction stage employment with an excess of €1.5 million in construction wages.
An objection to the project was previously submitted to Waterford City and County Council.
The objection outlined that the proposed development constituted a “material contravention” of the County Development Plan and should be refused by the planning authority.
Waterford City and County Council issued notification of the decision to refuse planning permission in June of this year.
Lidl Ireland GmbH subsequently appealed the Council’s decision to refuse, and An Coimisiun Pleanala was then left to determine whether or not the construction of the store would commence.
The board decided to refuse permission this week.
Having regard to the emerging pattern of development in the vicinity, it is considered that the proposed development would be of insufficient architectural quality on a prominent site in this area, and would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area, the board said.
The board also noted that the proposed development is partially located on lands zoned for 'Existing Residential’, and would therefore contravene the zoning objectives of the Council’s development plan.
