Final grant of approval for big Tullamore neighbourhood centre

The final grant of planning approval for a major neighbourhood centre in Tullamore, expected to include a new SuperValu store, has been issued, after the proposed developer withdrew a planning appeal against some of the conditions of the planning permission.

The company behind the project, Cedarglade Ltd, a subsidiary of Musgraves, which is the company behind the SuperValu and Centra brands, has now confirmed it intends to proceed with the project.

Cedarglade Ltd., with an address at Musgrave House in Cork, had been given planning approval by Offaly County Council in November, subject to 19 conditions, for a 2,100 sq m supermarket, a 240 sq m cafe with outside seating, a 110 sq m pharmacy, a 78 sq m shop, 135 car parking spaces and 26 bicycle spaces on lands at Collins Lane.

It lodged an appeal in December to An Bord Pleanala seeking the removal of two elements of the planning conditions of Offaly County Council's grant of approval.

The related to amendments and redesign of a roundabout and associated junctions.

“We believe that these conditions are unjustified and disproportionately onerous,” the appeal said.

However, on March 3, the appeal was withdrawn and subsequently Offaly County Council issued the final grant of approval on March 6.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed it intends now to proceed with the project.

The site is located 2km north of Tullamore town centre, and in close proximity to the Educate Together primary school and the recently-completed Hawthorns housing development.