AN BORD Pleanála has overturned planning permission granted to developer Seán Dunne for a residential, retail and office development at the Zed Candy factory site in Kilcock, Co Kildare because it would have a detrimental impact on the “viability and vitality” of Kilcock town centre.

Mountbrook Homes acquired the Zed Candy factory in Church Street, one of the main streets in Kilcock, in 2006 and was granted planning permission earlier this year by Kildare County Council for 29 shops including an anchor store, 180 apartments, offices, a medical centre and community facilities. The development would have been spread over six blocks rising to six storeys.

The proposal came up against considerable local opposition with five third party appeals submitted to An Bord Pleanála. Among the appellants was Emmet Stagg TD and Chris Rowland who said the scheme was out of character with the surrounding area and the mass and scale would negatively dominate the village.

They said the purpose of town centre zoning is to protect and enhance the character of Kilcock town centre.

Kilcock and District Community Council and Abbeyfield Residents Association were among the other appellants. By refusing permission, An Bord Pleanála overruled its inspector’s recommendation. It said the design fails to provide adequate links between Church Street and the Royal Canal which it is between, resulting in an “introverted” form of development out of character with the area.