by Louise Doyle
PROPOSED plans for a filling station in Lifford given the go-ahead by Donegal County Council have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Applicant Daly Brothers (Retail) Limited lodged planning permission in November 2023.
The proposed development comprised amendments to a number of conditions attached to a retention application submitted by the applicant in June 2019.
The proposed retention application comprised the development of a petrol station, consisting of a prefabricated shop and ancillary accommodation including toilets, dry fuel stores, parking area, canopy and pumps, lorry filling point, underground storage tanks, associated signage and all associated site works at Townparks and Coneyburrow, Lifford.
A submission objecting to these plans was lodged by Stephen Harte, who claimed the proposed development was “unauthorised”.
Retention permission was granted to Daly Bros (Retail) Ltd on April 2, 2020, subject to 13 conditions including that the use of the temporary retail unit permitted was for the sale of convenience goods only.
The applicant was also ordered that no vehicles, goods or other materials shall be displayed for sale on or about the forecourt.
In November 2023, Daly Bros (Retail) Limited lodged planning permission with Donegal County Council consisting of amendments to a number of conditions to the retention application.
Donegal County Council granted planning permission on December 21, subject to seven conditions including that prior to the installation and first use of the car wash facility the exact details to scale of an oil/petrol interceptor to serve the same must be submitted to the planning authority for written approval.
Operational hours of the shop were set down as between 7am and 10pm Monday to Sunday inclusive. Limits on noise levels associated with the car wash facility were also imposed.
A further stipulation is that a three metre fence along the southern boundary shall have no gaps and shall be maintained at all times.
A third party objection was lodged in January by Mr Harte on a number of grounds, including the location of the proposed car washing facility, which, he said, would block the car parking spaces.
“This area of the development is used as a school bus pick-up and drop-off for children attending schools in Ballybofey/Stranorlar, parents use these car parking spaces while waiting on the bus in the morning and collecting children in the evening.
“The noise survey is inaccurate and does not provide an accurate assessment of the noise nuisance and as a result is having an affect on my family’s health. I would ask that the planning authority do not make any decisions based on the acoustic report submitted with this application, and either conduct their own acoustic survey or instruct the developer to carry out a new and accurate acoustic report,” states Mr Harte’s submission.
An Bord Pleanála is due to make its decision on the case by May 29, 2023.
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