An Bord Pleanála rule against Aldi Store at Clonsilla

An Bord Pleanála have upheld appeals against the decision of the planning authority to grant Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited permission for a retail store at Weavers Row on the Clonsilla Road.

Architects impression  of proposed Aldi Store at Clonsilla

This is the second attempt by Aldi to develop a site they are reputed to have paid €11m for during the boom.
ABP outlined its reasons as follows:

"It is an objective in the current Fingal County Development Plan 2011-2017 to implement the Urban Centre Strategy for Clonsilla. The site of the proposed development forms a significant portion of undeveloped lands within the Urban Centre Strategy which are identified as Opportunity Area number 3.
The Strategy recognises that this area presents the best development opportunity and is the appropriate location to integrate and consolidate the village core thereby enhancing and protecting the character of the village.

The proposed development, by reason of lack of integration with adjoining areas would result in a disorderly form of development on this important site within the village and would set a precedent for similar non-integrated development in this centrally located site and would, therefore, fail to comply with the policies and objectives set out in the Urban Centre Strategy for Clonsilla and the current Fingal County Development Plan. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

The council decision:

FW14A/0144	Appeal Decided:	27-Jan-2016
	Appellant Type:	1st & 3rd Party
	Appeal Decision:	Refuse Permission
	Council Decision:	GRANT PERMISSION
	Applicant:	Aldi Stores (Ireland) Limited
	Location:	Weaver's Row, Clonsilla, Dublin 15
	Proposed Development:	Permission for the construction of a mixed use residential and retail scheme comprising 1) Construction of a 2 storey commecial block fronting Weaver's Row, incorporating foodstore measuring 1,740sq m gross (1,254 sq m net), with ancillary off-licence sales area, at ground level including an external service area; a creche totalling 609 sq m  at ground floor and first floor; 2) associated signage consisting of 2 internally illuminated fascia signs (5.11 sq m and 5.11 sq m), 1 none illuminated fascia sign 1.85 sq m, 1 no double sided internally illuminated pole sign to include opening hourswith a total area (front and back) of 10.22 sq m and 3.34 sq m; 2no. poster frame  double sided signs at external trolley bay (3.45 sq m each) ; 3) a public plaza to the front of the commercial block; 4) Construction of 20 no. 3 storey 3 bed houses in two terraces (136 sq m each) ; 5) 140 no. surface car parking spaces, 100 to serve the commercial bl;ock and 40 to serve the houses; 6) 12 no cycle spaces; 7) Revised vehicular access off Weaver's Row; 8) All landscaping, boundary treatment and site development works. SIGNIFICANT FURTHER INFORMATION HAS NOW BEEN RECEIVED.