Verdict on Aldi Moate plans delayed

A decision on a plan to build an Aldi store in Moate has been delayed after Westmeath County Council sought further information from the supermarket chain on the development.

In June, Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd, applied for permission to develop a discount foodstore and 117-space carpark at a vacant site on the Athlone Road approach to Moate.

In its planning application, Aldi said the proposed €6.8m store would "greatly serve the town and wider rural landscape" by enabling people to "conduct their big weekly shop in the local town rather than having to travel further distances to other settlements for their shopping".

The council was due to decide on the project by August 9, but this has now been deferred for several months after it requested further information from Aldi under a number of headings.

One of the queries related to the possible impact of the project on nearby residents. Aldi was asked to show the difference in site levels between the proposed store and homes to the west of it.

"Please submit details which clearly demonstrate that the proposed development will not negatively impact on the residential amenities of adjoining properties and provide updated plans and particulars where necessary," the council wrote, in its further information request to Aldi.

The multinational chain was asked to clarify "the delivery times and volume of deliveries" it was expecting each week, and also whether or not the entrance gate to the carpark would be locked each night.

The council indicated that a pedestrian crossing would be needed on the Athlone Road if the store was given the go-ahead, and Aldi was asked to "liaise with the District Engineer" in relation to this.

Other documentation sought by the local authority included a construction and environmental management plan containing traffic management, air quality, and noise mitigation details.

A submission in support of the proposed Aldi branch was received in July on behalf of the Moate Community Development Association, which said the project on a portion of the former Roseland Ballroom site would be "a very positive development" for the town.

Neil Dolan, an estate agent residing on Lake Road in Moate, also made a submission encouraging the council to award planning permission. He wrote that the development was "a wonderful opportunity for the future growth and expansion of the town," and one that would provide a "much needed" jobs boost.

Another submission, from Jimmy and Ger Redmond, of Hall Road, Moate, welcomed the development overall but asked for measures to be taken to limit night-time deliveries and to prevent potential anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the store site.

As part of its planning application, Aldi submitted a retail impact statement and planning report which said a "new landscaped civic space" was being proposed in front of the store which would "significantly improve the existing public realm on offer" at that location.

It also noted that, in a pre-application consultation with Westmeath County Council, the local authority had agreed that the Athlone Road site "could be considered a town centre location given its proximity to the established town centre of Moate and the linear nature of the development of the town".

Aldi has until February 8 next to respond to the council's request for further information on the plans.