Contentious off-licence at service station gets green light from ABP
AN BORD Pleanála has granted permission for contentious plans for an off-licence in the Circle K in Kilnamanagh – on the condition that the sale of alcohol products isn’t advertised on the front elevation of the premises or within the boundaries of the filling station forecourt.
As previously reported in The Echo, Circle K submitted their application for planning permission to South Dublin County Council on March 31.
They outlined plans for the change of use from permitted retail use, to retail use including the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises.
The off-licence is to be within the overall permitted retail unit, with a floor area of 8sq.m. It’s noted in the application that it is to be ancillary to the primary retail use of the garage.
The application attracted a number of objections, including from John Canning, the president of the St Kevin’s conference of SVP, who cited concerns about anti-social behaviour in the locality.
The members of Kilnamanagh Neighbourhood Watch objected to the application, as they claimed the Kilnamanagh Circle K outlet “is not showing responsible supervision of its current alcohol sales” and the proposed off-licence “would cause serious problems for our area”.
South Dublin County Council refused permission for the change of use on May 25, citing their view that the off-licence would “contribute to an overconcentration of off-licences” in the locality.
The local authority also stated that the petrol station is in a location which is removed from passive surveillance, and would provide “opportunity for anti-social behaviour”.
However, this decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Circle K, who claimed that it was “unwarranted”.
They added that an “overconcentration” of off-licences wouldn’t occur as a result of the proposed development, and concerns about underage drinking and anti-social behaviour “are not material planning considerations”.
The appeals board overturned the council’s decision and granted permission for the development last week.
In reaching its decision, An Bord Pleanála said the development “would not seriously injure the residential amenities of the area” and wouldn’t lead to an “overconcentration” of off-licences in the area.
However, a condition of the grant of permission includes no advertising of the sale of alcohol products on the front elevation of the shop, or within or on the boundaries of the filling station forecourt.
The alcohol sales area in the retail unit of the station is also limited to the area that features in the proposed floor layout plan that was submitted with the planning application, according to An Bord Pleanála.
