Nenagh Town Council has decided to grant planning permission for a €115 million residential and business development on the outskirts of the Co Tipperary town.
The Stereame project includes 388 residential units, 38 sheltered housing units and 18 light industrial units. Leisure facilities include a cineplex, bowling alley, and an 85-bedroom hotel.
The decision to approve the development of the 38-hectare greenfield site on the Limerick side of the town, which was rezoned as prime town centre land by Nenagh's councillors in June 2002, got a mixed reaction.
Nenagh Chamber of Commerce said it was totally opposed to the development. A chamber spokesperson said town centre- type development outside the town was a significant threat to the livelihood of its members.
Nenagh Civic Alliance, a group opposed to the project, issued a challenge to councillors who support the Stereame development to debate the issues at a public meeting. Mr Tom O'Donoghue, spokesman for the alliance, said the group would appeal the planning decision.
"We are confident in our arguments and wish to see the councillors emerge from the chamber and justify themselves face to face with the people of Nenagh," he said.
A spokesperson for the Stereame Partnership, Mr Michael Hogan, said the developers were happy with the decision to grant planning permission.
However, Mr Hogan said charges and levies placed on the developer for the project, which amount to over €2.7 million, would probably be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
"We are delighted the planners have considered our application favourably after a long consultative process," said Mr Hogan.
He added that the project would benefit Nenagh in the long term.
The decision to grant planning permission was subject to 61 conditions.