Planning turned down for Cork retail complex

The Cork-based developers, O'Flynn Construction, have lost their planning permission to proceed with a shopping centre and four…

The Cork-based developers, O'Flynn Construction, have lost their planning permission to proceed with a shopping centre and four retail warehouses on adjoining sites at Little Island Road near the Lee Tunnel in Cork.

Both Midleton UDC and the Retail, Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades Association objected to An Bord Pleanala against the granting of permission for the shopping centre, which was to have included a supermarket, 11 retail units, restaurant, creche, and a car-park with park-and-ride facilities. The Irish Hardware Association objected separately to Cork County Council's decision to allow four retail warehouses to be built.

The planning appeals board ruled that the extra traffic generated by the retail schemes would adversely affect the use of national roads. It also held that the developments would be premature pending the completion of the Cork Strategic Plan.