LIDL Ireland have provided further information on their plans to demolish their current Shannon store and construct a new one storey discount foodstore.
The German supermarket giant had previously been asked to provide further information by Clare County Council in relation to the proposed development’s visual impact and plans for traffic management in the county’s second town.
The local authority stated in its request for further information that “concerns arise in respect of the nature, siting and design of the proposed development. It is considered that the proposed development appears inconsistent with and fails to give proper effect to the planning framework established for this location”. The council also stated that the proposed site “may not be the most appropriate location” and it may harm future development of the “One Shannon Hub” located in close proximity.
Clare County Council also raised concerns over a potential increase in traffic volume the proposed development could incur, noting that “A query arises as to whether construction traffic entering the site may be in traffic with customer traffic entering this site during the construction phase. It is noted that the proposal involves the removal of over 150 spaces from the site. There is a concern that the loss of parking may impact on the provision within the overall site”.
Lidl Ireland issued further information in response to these claims. In relation to the traffic issues highlighted by the local authority, the supermarket stated “Access to and availability of the parking areas located outside the construction boundary, and accessed from the R471, will be maintained for public use for the duration of the construction/demolition phases, insofar as it is safe and practicable to do so. The phasing of the construction/demolition works has been planned to minimise disruption to existing public amenities, where possible”.
In regards to the council’s fears over the potential visual impact of the proposed development, Lidl suggested that “The objective of the Proposed Development is to demolish and replace the existing ageing retail store and deliver an enhanced urban environment. The proposal will significantly improve the quality of the public realm, create active frontages, and consolidate development around the Village Square. In doing so, it will support the objectives of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan by releasing strategically located lands adjoining the New Main Street focus area, facilitating future town centre development opportunities, and enhancing pedestrian permeability and accessibility along Bóthar na Rinne”.
Following the submission of the relevant further information, Clare County Council now has a further four weeks to make a decision on the future of the contentious retail development. If Lidl are refused planning permission, an appeal can be made to An Bord Pleanála in order to overturn the decision.
