Independent grocers’ group objects to Lidl Knocknacarra plans

The representative group for small grocers, RGDATA, has objected to plans for a new Lidl supermarket in Knocknacarra, claiming it poses a threat to the future vitality of Galway City centre and existing shopping centres.

And while rival supermarket chain Tesco voiced approval in principle for the development, they said an amended design could improve the streetscape.

At the beginning of July, Lidl sought permission to develop a €2.5 million supermarket and standalone café at the corner of Bóthar Stiofáin and the Western Distributor Road, on a greenfield site right beside their rivals Aldi.

The plan is for a single-storey foodstore with an off-licence over a gross floor area of 2,185 square metre, with net retail space of 1,387 sq m on the 1.5-acre site and a free-standing single-storey café measuring 66.5 sq m on the overall site.

It is Lidl’s third attempt in six years to open a premises in Knocknacarra – two previous applications on a site at the junction of the Ballymoneen Road with the Distributor Road were rejected by An Bórd Pleanála.

RGDATA, which represents family-owned independent grocery stores – which objected to the previous Lidl applications – has objected to the last one also.

It says there is no justification for an additional discount foodstore on the western side of the city, and that it would be premature until a sustainable mix of uses is provided within what is zoned as the Knocknacarra District Centre, arguing that it is dominated with retail units.

The representative group added that the prime site had the opportunity for a high-quality ‘book end’ entrance design, but “instead, an elongated single-storey standalone retail ‘box’ is provided, which is substandard and monolithic in appearance”, comparing it to a “commercial warehouse”.

The objectors argue that 86 parking spaces are proposed, but the City Development Plan requires 150 spaces, which would lead to haphazard parking behaviour in the vicinity of the site, along the adjoining public roads and residential estates.

The submission adds that delivery trucks would have to reverse towards the entrance, creating a traffic hazard.

The Tesco submission reads: “[Tesco] welcomes investment in Galway as the city continues to grow and notes that the proposed development is permitted in principle on the subject lands. It is important that as the city develops, convenience retail services and competition is increased.

“It is, however, important that as the city develops, a positive and attractive urban environment is created. In this regard the design of the proposed development could be improved by undertaking slight amendments to the design/layout.

“The proposed design of the store will create a blank street elevation on the Western Distributor Road, which would not be in the best interests of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“Whilst the proposal is permissible in principle and could contribute to this area of Galway City, an amended design/layout could improve the streetscape, enhance the pedestrian environment of the area and integrate more effectively with future developments, particularly on lands to the south of the site,” the submission reads.

If permitted, the new development would be completed by April 2020 and employ between 20 and 25 people.

City planners have told Lidl to revise the design of the southern side of the building facing onto the Western Distributor Road, including an additional glazed area, and have sought clarification on the opening hours of the café. They have also ordered changes to the site layout to accommodate pedestrian movement.