Lidl apply for extension of time for further development in Tullamore

LIDL has applied to Offaly County Council for an extension of the period allowed for the development of a site at Church Road in Tullamore.

The original application which was given permission in 2018 was for a supermarket and creche on a site measuring 1.33HA.

The planning application sought permission to demolish five commercial buildings and to construct a mixed use development comprising of a discount food store, off-licence and a single storey crèche with an outdoor play area. Cycle parking, motorbike parking and vehicular parking was also to be provided.

It also included the development of a link road between Church Road and Tanyard Lane allowing vehicular access to the development.

The application attracted a number of submissions, including one from the residents of Arbutus Court who objected on the grounds of noise and traffic increase.

In 2019 the local authority issued a warning letter to Lidl during the course of the construction stating that it had come to the attention of the Planning Authority that an unauthorised development was being carried out consisting of a layout and position of a pedestrian path between the Lidl Store entrance and access to Arbutus Court which was not in compliance with the planning permission. It outlined the fines involved in non compliance with the planning conditions.

A one way system has since been put in place which prevents traffic from driving from the junction into Lidl from Tanyard Lane to the roundabout at Bachelors Walk.

While the supermarket has been up and running for a number of years and the new link road is widely used the crèche and play area was never built.

This latest application seeks an extension to possibly allow for this development.

A decision is due in October.