Green light for new Aldi store in Youghal
However, in another decision announced yesterday, An Bord Pleanála refused a convenience store on the East Cork town’s west side.
It was the second time the planning appeals board rejected plans for the re- development of a derelict textile site, formerly known as Seafield.
County councillor Mary Linehan-Foley said while the Aldi ruling was welcomed, she believed the board made a “very disappointing” decision on the Seafield site “without being familiar with the area”.
The board upheld — with conditions — permission granted last February to Aldi Stores (Ireland) for construction of a discount food store at the former Youghal Carpets site. Four appeals had been lodged. The site is 100m from Brooks’ SuperValu, while Tesco and Lidl trade about 600m away.
However, the board again upheld an appeal against planning granted to a local consortium Seafield Group to develop the former textiles plant at the Strand.
Cork County Council originally granted planning in 2011 for a mixed use neighbourhood centre on part of the 20-acre site. The planning had included a single-storey discount food store, six single-storey retail units, a drive-through restaurant, and 178 car spaces.
In 2013, An Bord Pleanála upheld an appeal against the Seafield proposal on the grounds it contravened the 2009-2015 Town Development Plan permitting only “small scale” developments outside the town centre.
Despite the now defunct town council amending the development plan to facilitate a mid-size convenience store, there were some objections from retail outlets.
The board’s decision mirrored its ruling of four years ago.
