Proposed car park extension for Ballina supermarket is refused permission

Mayo County Council have refused planning permission to increase the number of car parking spaces at Lidl, Bohernasup in Ballina.

The German supermarket chain had sought to demolish an existing former dwelling house in the northwest corner of the Lidl site and extend the existing car parking area to increase the number of spaces from 75 to 113 overall. The proposal also included all associated ancillary development works.

Council planners refused planning permission for the proposed development and in their assessment said the existing store is generally considered a welcome addition to the streetscape and fits in well in a residential area. However, they added the proposed car park extension would negatively impact the balance created at this location.

"The proposed car park extension would significantly extend the gap in the streetscape and impact negatively on the important visual balance between the existing residential and new commercial."

Refusal was recommended on four conditions. Planners said the proposed development would be contrary to the zoning of the area, which is Existing Residential, and would therefore impact negatively on the residential amenity of the area.

They said an excessive gap would be created in the streetscape which would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

In addition, they said the current onsite parking provision was considered adequate by the applicant, Lidl, by Mayo County Council and by An Comisiun Pleanála during a previous planning process.

Planners said that the proposed development would contravene materially a condition attached to an existing permission which limited the height of street lamp lighting piles to 4 metres. The applicant had proposed 8 metre high poles which planners said would impact negatively on the area.

Planning permission was therefore refused for the proposed development.