Monday, February 20, 2012
A proposed €30 million retail development will not impact on the commercial heart of a county town, it has been claimed.
And developers of the plan insist it will not compete with, or lead to the long-term vacancy of retail units in Ennis.
The claims are made in an appeal lodged to An Bord Pleanála on behalf of Michael Lynch Ltd against Ennis Town Council’s decision to refuse planning permission last month on a number of grounds.
The planned retail development on the southern fringes of the town is to provide 300 jobs during the construction phase and between 180 and 200 jobs when operational.
The council refused planning permission after the proposal encountered opposition from businesses in Ennis, with the Ennis Chamber of Commerce and independent retailers’ organisation, RGDATA leading the opposition.
An appeal lodged by Michael Lynch Ltd says "the subject site represents an important strategic development for Ennis".
It says: "When all aspects are taken into account, the subject lands, alongside the appropriately scaled retail development, represents the optimum balance for the enhancement of family food shopping in Ennis.
Furthermore, the company said its consultants discovered in October 2011 there were 42 vacant units in Ennis.
However, the appeal adds: "Ennis does have vacant units but it has also experienced a dynamic turnover of units in the past couple of years with new businesses opening their doors."
The company has also requested an oral hearing into the appeal.
The appeal states: "The proposal accords with national retail policy as the format of development conforms with the broad definition of a district centre and is of a scale subordinate to the town centre.
"Importantly, the project does not have the scale or variety to be an alternative retail destination to Ennis town centre.
"The entire thesis of the project from conception was to provide a retail development that adds to the Ennis retail offer in a positive manner without detracting from the inherent attraction of Ennis town centre.
"In all material respects, the proposed development provides a key opportunity for Ennis to capitalise on a strategic and under-utilised brown field site on the southern entry to the town centre."
Monday, February 20, 2012
Developers insist €30m retail project will not lead to ‘ghost’ units in town | Irish Examiner
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete