An Bord Pleanala has upheld Cork County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a new Aldi store in Glanmire. Permission was refused previously on the grounds of negative impact on residential amenity.

There were eight objections to the development on this occasion, St Joseph’s National School which is adjacent, being among them. They had raised concerns about traffic congestion and traffic related incidents. 

It was also felt that other sites were available which were more suitably zoned. Concerns were also raised about pedestrian safety and regarding the proposed pedestrian access through existing residential estates. It was felt that the site could be more appropriately used for recreational purposes. The proposed off-licence also raised a concern that it would affect the amenity of existing residences through anti-social behaviour. Glanmire Parochial Committee was listed as an observer in the appeal.

Flooding issues were also raised and the objectors stated that the development would be contrary to the Local Area Plan’s policies and objectives and the Retail Planning Guidelines.

Two submissions were made in favour of the development, one with 103 signatures supporting the provision of a scout hall in the plan. Those in favour also felt the development would help address the under provision of social/community and commercial services in Glanmire which had been identified as a weakness in the town. It was also felt that it would stop a significant loss of retail spend to other centres in the metropolitan area. The link road the development would provide, which is an infrastructural objective of the Local Area Plan, was also considered a positive.

The planning appeals board upheld the grant of planning permission but attached new conditions to address the concerns raised by objectors.