Plans submitted for drive-thru coffee shop at Golden Island Shopping Centre

An application for the construction of a drive-thru facility to service an approved coffee shop development on the grounds of Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone has been submitted to Westmeath County Council.

Planning permission was sought by Int Inv (I) GP Ltd for a similar development in 2021 and, subject to conditions, one of which was the removal of the drive-thru element of the design, was granted approval by Westmeath County Council.

In a planning report submitted with the new application, the company is now seeking to amend the previously granted permission.

The proposed development seeks to "reinvigorate and revitalise" a long-established shopping centre through the "introduction of a new drive-thru element" associated with the approved coffee shop use.

"The proposal will further enhance the range and quality of services available at this location, by increasing footfall, improving customer convenience and strengthening the role of the shopping centre as a local service and community destination," the planning report added.

At the time of approval in 2021, the planning authority requested the omission of the drive-thru element of the proposed development by "virtue of its design, scale and layout" which, it said, "fails to strengthen and positively enhance the public realm at this prominent town centre location".

The planning authority also stated that the proposed development by "virtue of its design and form" was considered to "constitute a predominantly car-dependent use at this prominent location within Athlone".

The newly submitted proposal aims to incorporate a pedestrian crossing to Burgess Park through updated plans which "incorporate placemaking, permeability, and connectivity elements to improve upon the previously granted permission".

The planning report states that the current proposal has been "specifically designed to address the concerns previously raised by the planning authority" regarding the "relative isolation of the approved café unit" and its "limited integration with the wider town centre".

Proposed connectivity plans include the provision of a new pedestrian crossing linking Golden Island Shopping Centre directly with Burgess Park and the wider town centre area.

The proposed pedestrian crossing extending westwards from the café building to Burgess Park will establish a "clear and safe route" for pedestrians and cyclists between the shopping centre, the park and town centre.

A dedicated footpath is also proposed by the developer to "directly link the café entrance with the existing pedestrian network serving Golden Island Shopping Centre".

Recommending that planning permission "be granted accordingly", the planning report suggests that the proposal will result in the "appropriate and efficient use of an under-utilised car parking area", which is well-located in proximity to the surrounding national and regional road network, with easy access available to Athlone town centre.

Westmeath County Council is expected to deliver a decision on the planning application by August 4.