Council wants more information on retailer's plans for Athlone service station site

A decision on a planning bid for the redevelopment of a service station on Athlone's Dublin Road has been deferred, with the council asking for clarity on work carried out already and on the site's proposed future use.

Earlier this year, a planning application was submitted to Westmeath County Council in relation to Unit 1, Kenna Centre, on the Dublin Road, next door to The Shack pub.

The application sought approval for "internal alterations to an existing retail shop to accommodate an off-licence area for the sale of alcohol products and associated site development works".

Crude & Food Services Ltd, which is directed by Rajan Singh Chandi and lists the service station's address as its company address, lodged the plans with the council on April 28.

In recent weeks, a digger has been on site and temporary road-facing signage has been advertising a "new Mace store coming soon".

A decision on the planning application was due by June 22, however the council has instead written to the applicant to request further information in relation to three aspects of the proposed development.

The local authority said it carried out a site inspection and had observed that "substantial groundworks and site development works" were being undertaken.

The council said it had "no record of a planning permission authorising these works" and that if development had been carried out without planning permission its planning status would have to be regularised.

"In this regard, the applicant is requested to clarify the nature, extent and planning status of the works undertaken to date," the council stated.

In addition, the local authority asked for clarification on the nature of the proposed retail unit and off-licence area.

The applicant was asked to confirm whether "the retail unit will continue to operate as an ancillary element to the existing petrol filling station/service station use, or whether it is intended to function as an independent retail unit".

The planning application attracted two public submissions from nearby residents, Jack Dunne and Mary Moran, both of whom objected to the addition of an off-licence at the site.

Mr Dunne, of Ankers Bower, Athlone, said he strongly believed that "there is no reasonable planning basis or community need" for the introduction of an additional off-licence in the area.

"The Golden Island area and its surrounding vicinity are already significantly serviced by a number of existing off-licence premises, in addition to supermarkets and retail outlets currently licensed to sell alcohol," he wrote.

"It is my view that the continued expansion of alcohol retail outlets within the area is excessive and contrary to the interests of the wider community."

Ms Moran, of Ankers Court, Brideswell Street, Athlone, said she had been living in the area for the last 75 years and had seen many changes during that time.

"Unfortunately, in recent years, I have become increasingly concerned about the level of alcohol consumption, anti-social behaviour, and littering in the area," she wrote.

"I believe there are already enough off-licences and outlets selling alcohol in the area, and I do not believe there is any need for another one. We should be trying to reduce alcohol-related problems in our community, not increase them."

The applicant, Crude & Food Services Ltd, now has up to six months in which to respond to the council's request for further information.