An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a proposed Lidl supermarket in the Cork suburb of Douglas, disagreeing with the recommendation of its inspector. An inspector had recommended granting permission for the supermarket to be built on a two-acre site behind Barry’s Pub, between the Carrigaline Road and Churchyard Lane. Cork County Council had granted planning permission but submissions from the local Tidy Towns group, along with businesses including Barry’s Bar and Tesco, expressed concerns over traffic, parking, and the visual impact the proposed supermarket would have on the village. Despite the concerns, the inspector had proposed planning permission should be granted as “the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre and would otherwise be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”. “The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” the board said in its direction.

Source: Irish Examiner March 28, 2018 23:03 UTC