Lidl is appealing Leitrim County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for new two-storey outlet on a greenfield site on the outskirts of Carrick-on-Shannon.
The proposed new store, measuring almost 3,000 sq m, was widely opposed in the town, but Lidl has appealed to An Bord Pleanála – which previously turned down the company's proposal for a development on the same site.
Lidl hopes to relocate its Carrick-on-Shannon store from its existing site at Cortober on the Co Roscommon side of the town to a location off the N4 main Dublin Road, close to rivals Tesco and Aldi.
A previous application, which was approved by the council, was turned down by An Bord Pleanála last December.
At the time, the board noted the “prominent setting” of the proposed development at a key entrance to the town. It also noted that the site “partly comprises flood zones” and referred to the absence of a comprehensive proposal for an alternative use of the Cortober store.
Change of use
Since then, Roscommon County Council granted Lidl planning permission for a change of use of the outlet to a car sales showroom and gym.
Last month Leitrim County Council refused permission for the proposed new development. It said the proposed increase in retail space involved would breach local guidelines. The council also referred to the absence of a "robust" plan for the Cortober store.
A public meeting will be held in the Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon next Monday night, where, according to local businessman Fintan Cox, advice will be given on how to make submissions to the planning board.
Mr Cox said opposition to the plan is steadfast in the community with many local people convinced that the company wants to build on the “wrong site”.
Mr Cox said he was confident that people would make their views known once more. “People have nothing against Lidl but they don’t want the store on that site,” he said.
Lidl has confirmed an appeal has been lodged but said it had no further comment pending the appeal.
