Multi-million euro Athlone project gets turned down

Proposals for a multi-million euro commercial development at what is known locally as the Diskin Centre in Golden Island have been turned down.

The significant project is proposed by Tiane Ltd, connected to local developer Tony Diskin.

It comprises a range of retail outlets selling bulky and non-bulky goods, a cafe with a public plaza, offices and convenience supermarket, at the junction of Golden Island and Carrickobrien Road

PHOTO: A graphic design image of what the refused plan might have looked like.

The council listed six reasons for its refusal of planning permission, in its decision issued on Friday last.

The Golden Island plan would involve the demolition of the existing retail warehouse units to the north of the site to provide almost 11,000 square metres of commercial floorspace in four separate blocks, predominantly two storeys ranging in height from six metres (26 feet) to eleven metres high (36 feet).

An existing commercial development to the east of the site opposite Aldi with 22 car parking spaces would be retained as part of the latest plans.

Access to the site would be via Carrickobrien and Golden Island Roads, and it would be served by 267 parking spaces for cars and 165 for bicycles.

Westmeath County Council refused planning on Friday. Among the reasons given was its view that proposed development by reason of “its predominant retail use (87%) on a prominent and strategically located site within Athlone and zoned ‘mixed-use’” did not provide for an appropriate mix of uses which will allow for the sustainable and compact growth of Athlone.

It also said that having regard to the availability of vacant retail warehousing units in Athlone, “it is considered that inadequate justification has been submitted to support the provision of retail warehousing at this high profile prominent location in Athlone.”

It further stated that the development, if permitted would increase unnecessary car journeys into the centre of Athlone, which is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Further reasons for refusal centred on the design, layout and arrangement of the site and that it would “detrimentally impact on the vitality and vibrancy of this town centre location”.

The council claimed the proposals for convenience shopping is excessive and would “adversely affect the viability and vitality of the existing core retail centre

The developers had argued that the proposed scheme seek to redevelop an important brownfield site adjacent to the town centre.

It said it would introduce a “new high quality mixed use retail led development”.

“The proposal would contain a range of uses including retail, retail warehousing, cafe and offices spaces,” it adds

Situated “at the most suitable location” in Athlone town, the applicant argued that there is a lack of “suitable, available or viable units or 'opportunity sites' in the town centre or at the edge of centre locations.”

Backers also believe the proposal does not have “any adverse impact on vitality and viability” of Athlone town centre ”on foot of a detailed retail impact assessment report included as part of the application.