Tesco, Buncrana Road Planning Appeal Refused

• 27th February 2014
• Latest News
• 0 Comments
• mkaplanning

MKA Planning Ltd, acting on behalf of Northside Shopping Centre have been successful in getting both of the  Tesco’s foodstore proposals  at Buncrana Road, Derry refused by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) and DOE Planning Service.

These Tesco proposals had been in the pipeline for many years with the original planning application dating back to 2004. Objectors were of the opinion that these applications had resulted in a Tesco ‘dark cloud’ hanging over this part of the City hindering investment.

Northside Shopping Centre believed that if either of the Tesco proposals were approved, their district shopping centre would be devastated.

After a two day public inquiry, Commissioner Beggs  refused the smaller proposal on loss of investment and retail impact grounds and recommended refusal on the larger proposal to DOE (NI).

Commissioner Beggs felt that the proposal was “likely to lead to a significant loss of investment in the Northside Centre” rather than the Springtown Centre as he failed to see any compelling evidence that the current vacant extension at Springtown would see any investment in the near future, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.

Planning permission has been granted for a major redevelopment of the Northside Centre and the Commissioner found that it had a number of benefits namely:-

* It is an existing centre protected by PPS 5;

* It is located in a residential area accessible to the Buncrana and Skeoge Link.

* It is the only District Centre in this part of the City.

The Commissioner concluded that Tesco would fundamentally alter the area’s retail environment and this would prejudice the delivery of the Northside redevelopment plans and be likely to cause a significant loss of investment in the Centre.

The Supervalu anchor store at the Northside Centre have already experienced a decline due to the current financial climate and the introduction of a Tesco superstore would

“….likely lead to a significant drop in footfall, and unacceptably impact upon Supervalu’s viability.” 

Commissioner Beggs also found that both of the Tesco proposals would adversely impact on the viability and vitality of both the Springtown and Northside Shopping Centres whose existing anchor stores are currently performing poorly and are very vulnerable to further competition.

The Commissioner concluded that

“…..taking account of all the appellants arguments and the supporting petition and letters, they do not justify setting aside the negative impacts of the proposal.”

The Planning Service have confirmed today that they have also refused the larger retail proposal.

If you require an objection to a retail proposal please contact  Matt or one of the MKA Team  at 71311551.