German discounters top planning charts but win some, lose some: The German discount supermarkets featured prominently in this week's An Bord Pleanála decision list.
Lidl was refused permission to build a discount store and car-park at the former Solus Tower Factory at Corke Abbey in Bray, Co Dublin, reversing a decision by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to allow it.
The reasons were that the development would contravene a zoning objective "to protect or improve residential amenities" and that additional traffic generated would endanger public safety.
Lidl had more success in Deansgrange (right), where they were granted permission by the board to build a supermarket, and demolish and build a new two-storey Bank of Ireland premises at the Bank of Ireland site on Clonkeen Road. The plan was the subject of appeals by Deansgrange Residential Area Action Group (DRAAG) and Deansgrange Traders Group.
In another decision, Aldi has been refused permission to build a store at Newbridge Road, Jigginstown, Naas, Co Kildare. It made a first party appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Naas Town Council.
The Board, however, upheld the town council's decision, saying it contravened zoning on the site "to provide for industrial and warehousing sites". It also said its peripheral location would make it dependent on car-borne shoppers and it was likely to adversely affect the "vibrancy, vitality and viability" of the existing central shopping and commercial area.
Retail and office scheme for D1
Albion Properties is looking to build a 5,639 sq m (60,698 sq ft) office and retail development at 13-16 Foley Street and 38, 38A, 39B and 40-45 Talbot Street in Dublin 1. The development would involve the demolition of 39B, 40, 41, 42, and 43 Talbot Street and the partial demolition of 44 and 45 Talbot Street to build a 58-bed hotel with a bar, restaurant facilities and meeting rooms.
The development would also have seven ground floor retail units, including one double-storey shop fronting Foley Street comprising a gross floor area of 1,145 sq m (12,325 sq ft). The scheme would also have two basement car-parking levels with 50 car spaces.
The proposal is for offices at 44 and 45 Talbot Street. The entire scheme would be in two blocks with a landscaped pedestrian walkway linking Talbot Street to Foley Street.
