Plans to redevelop Ireland's oldest shopping centre at Stillorgan, Co Dublin, have been rejected by An Bord Pleanala. However, it has granted permission for a major extension to the Wilton shopping centre in Cork.
In the case of Stillorgan shopping centre, the board upheld appeals by local residents, saying the proposed development by Treasury Holdings would "tend to create serious traffic congestion" because of a deficient road network in the area.
It said the "large-scale" additional retail space proposed "does not take sufficient account" of a 1982 ministerial policy directive on shopping centres, which referred to the adequacy of existing shopping facilities as a relevant consideration.
The board also took the view that the proposed extension "constitutes over-development of the site and would seriously injure the amenities of houses in the vicinity by reason of increased activity in the area and the height of the proposed building."
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council had decided to grant permission for the development last April, subject to a number of conditions. But this was appealed by several nearby residents as well as by the Mount Merrion Residents' Association.
In the case of Wilton shopping centre, An Bord Pleanala reversed a decision by Cork Corporation to refuse planning permission for major alterations and additions, including a new supermarket of 60,000 sq ft and 22,000 sq ft of additional retail units.
The board felt the proposed development "would constitute a reasonable addition to a long-established shopping centre" and would not have a "significant impact" on other retail facilities in the Cork area - an issue that worried the corporation.
In its decision, the board laid down 15 conditions that will have to be met by the developer, Erin Executor and Trustee Company, though none of these relates to the scale of the scheme, which will substantially increase Wilton's retail floorspace.
The developer is required to submit detailed plans for traffic access, water supply and drainage, landscaping, external lighting, signage and finishes to Cork Corporation for its approval before the start of site work. The appeals board also specified the developer must contribute towards the cost of various works to facilitate the scheme, including road improvements - principally affecting Sarsfield's Road - and upgraded water supply and sewerage facilities.
