Applegreen fuel chain in Galway setback

Attempts by cut-price fuel chain Applegreen to enter the market in Galway have been stalled, after city planners sent them back to the drawing board.

Petrogas Ltd – which operates more than 70 Applegreen filling stations around the country – had sought permission to redevelop what was formerly Hanley’s Maxol station on the Tuam Road (adjacent to the old Galway Renault showroom).

The plans include the demolition of the existing workshop and the removal of underground fuel tanks, and the construction of a new 5,400 square foot single storey building with three food counters, retail area and toilets.

They also include a brush wash area and single storey carwash building, and three new 40,000 litre tanks to be placed underground.

“The proposed forecourt building comprises of retail area including ancillary off licence.

“In addition to the retail area, like most modern forecourt shops, the proposal also envisages food offering and associated seating areas for patrons to consume food and refreshments on the premises,” the application reads.

The company is seeking to operate the station on a 24-hour basis, with food served from 6am to midnight.

However, planners have sent Applegreen back to the drawing board – including a rethink on the size of the restaurant, parking, landscaping, signage, opening hours and deliveries.

“Taking the size of the area proposed, it is considered that the size of the food offer area is of such a scale it could not be considered to be an ancillary to the principle use of the premises as a petrol filling station,” planners said, requesting the plans to be revised.

The also sought a reduction in carparking spaces; clarification on the future intent for the old Renault showroom; clarification on what will be served through the 24-hour ‘hatch’ and on what hours the carwash will be in operation.

“Taking into consideration the residential zoning of the area, the Planning Authority would be concerned with regards to the late hours of operation,” planners said, asking Applegreen to revise their plans for the 24-hour service,” planners said.

There were objections to the application on the grounds that Applegreen’s primary business is retail and restaurant and that it would worsen traffic congestion on the Tuam Road.

It was also argued by objectors that the business would contravene residential zoning on the site, that it would detract from nearby residences, that it would be an “affront” to the objectives of the City Development Plan and that the adjacent car showroom would be “left in limbo”.

Petrogas Ltd now has up to six months to submit revisions on the application.