Green light for new ALDI outlet in east Mayo following appeal

DISCOUNT retailer ALDI has been granted planning permission for a new outlet in east Mayo.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has given the go-ahead for a store in Swinford, overturning the decision of Mayo County Council, which refused it.

The store will be located across from the parish church, in Newpark, at the Castlebar Road and Kiltimagh Road.

The project has been the subject of a number of local objections.

Concerns included the site being unsuitable for the proposed development as it is already very busy and at times hazardous with traffic. It was only zoned town centre recently and is more suited for a residential development.

Derelict and unused units in Swinford should be utilised before the proposed development was permitted, it was submitted.

A further concern was that the proposal would lead to loss for small businesses in surrounding towns, resulting in unemployment.

Council planners turned it down, saying the the development, if granted, would have an adverse impact on the vitality, viability and attractiveness of the existing traditional town centre of Swinford.

That decision was appealed by ALDI who said the proposal will not compete with the traditional town centre but will enhance the choice that is available to shoppers and ultimately attract more business to the town centre.

The appeals board found that the proposal would provide for an appropriate form of development on this 'town centre zoned’ site and would not adversely impact upon the built heritage of the area or the amenities of the properties in the vicinity, would not undermine the town centre or retail future of Swinford and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The grant of planning permission is subject to a number of conditions.