Birr Retail DevelopmentPlanning objections to a proposed Tesco supermarket development on the outskirts of Birr, Co Offaly have been rejected by An Bord Pleanála, which has decided to allow the 2,668sq m (28,933sq ft) scheme proceed.

One of the concerns raised by the Bord's inspector, who recommended against the development, was that the proposed building stands on the site of the first All-Ireland final, played back in 1888.

The initial application was lodged in July 2005 and revised in March 2006.

The proposal was for a standard supermarket development with a gross floor area of 2,668sq m (28,718sq ft) and a net area of 1,618sq m (17,416sq ft), 224 car-parking spaces and ancillary works.

The 2.8-hectare (6.92-acre) site is on the southern outskirts of Birr on the N52 Birr to Roscrea road, about 500 metres from the town centre.

The development was considered a counterbalancing pivot for the much larger Newlyn Developments retail development totalling 5,496sq m (59,158sq ft), which sits on the northern fringes of Birr. It received its planning approval in 2005.

Permission was granted to Tesco in August last year, subject to 22 conditions, but an appeal was lodged, which was dealt with by inspector Kevin Lynch.

He pointed out the site's historic GAA connections in his report. He noted that the development "fails to exploit the opportunity of this prominent site in a manner appropriate to this heritage town and historic site".

Appellants opposed to the project cited contravention of the Birr development plan and the fact that the site was zoned residential in their submission to the Bord. Almost two dozen objections were raised, including the fact the site provided the grounds for the first All-Ireland final.

Taking note of the objections and with reference to the likely impact on retail trading in the town centre amongst other problems, the inspector recommended that the initial planning approval be overturned.

He argued that the development "would cause an adverse impact on the town centre sufficient to undermine the viability and vitality of the town centre".

It was contrary to the retail planning guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and would be "contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area", Lynch said.

Despite this, the Bord decided at a meeting last month to grant permission with 14 conditions.

It stated it did not accept the inspector's recommendation and believed the site to be a "suitable location" for the development that "would not have an adverse impact sufficient to undermine the town centre". It said concerns relating to impacts on the nearby homes "could be dealt with by condition".

Conditions included reducing the development by 12 metres in width, increasing separation from adjoining property, a repositioning of the building on the site and a changed car park layout.