Station demolition ‘would create an unacceptable adverse impact’

THE demolition of the Texaco service station in Ballydowd, Lucan, to make way for a new single-storey retail building “would create an unacceptable adverse impact” on nearby roads.

This is according to South Dublin County Council, which refused planning permission for the proposal on April 24.

Applicant Valero Energy (Ireland) Ltd’s proposal included the demolition of the existing service station retail building, car washes, off-loading slab and three-metre-high external blockwork wall.

Demolition works were also proposed for a fuel dispenser island and plant building and the removal of two log cabins, storage compound with associated steel containers, water storage tank and associated forecourt equipment are included.

Construction of a new single-storey building (504 sq.m) comprising of a retail area of 100sq.m (including an off-licence of 23sq.m), and two food units (110.5 sq.m) were proposed to replace the demolished building.

A seating area (69 sq.m), circulation area and back of house (office, toilets, and storage) were also to be part of the new building, and alterations to the existing forecourt canopy were included.

Provision of building fascia signage and forecourt canopy signage formed part of the plans, as did the construction of ancillary site features including a new ESB sub-station building, and a wash recycle building.

A total of 37 surfaced car parking spaces with six electric car charging spaces were to serve the new retail outlet.

Construction of two pressure wash slabs, one brush wash slab, a walled yard area (beside shop), site lighting, surfacing, landscaping, and all associated drainage works were proposed.

Last month, the council decided to refuse permission for the proposal due to the impact it could have on the adjoining national road.

“It is considered that the proposal, if approved, would create an unacceptable adverse impact on the use of the adjoining national road,” stated the council.

The council also added: “The proposed development would intensify the use of an access on a national road and would increase the risk of a traffic accident and endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users due to the movement of the extra traffic generated.”