Planning permission sought for new 'modern' Bundoran Supermarket
Donegal County Council receives planning permission for replacement Simpsons Supermarket in Bundoran
Planning permission has been sought from Donegal County Council for a new supermarket to replace the current Simpsons Supermarket in Bundoran.
Regional Foods Ltd, has submitted the application, for the demolition of the existing supermarket, on Main Street in Bundoran, and for the construction of a new supermarket to replace existing supermarket.
The application includes the construction of a new access road, pedestrian footpaths, and car parking facilities for the proposed new supermarket, along with the provision of bicycle parking, bin storage facilities, public lighting, and all associated site development works including all landscaping provisions.
A design statement written in support of the application by William Donoghue & Associates, on behalf of the applicant, stated: “The scheme provides a modern purpose-designed retail building within the established commercial setting of Bundoran. Its layout brings customer accommodation, staff facilities, storage and servicing into a coordinated arrangement while giving Main Street a clearly defined contemporary shopfront.”
It continued: “The application site extends to approximately 0.50 hectares and is situated between Main Street to the south-east and Kearns Lane to the north-west.
“The lands contain the existing Simpsons supermarket fronting Main Street and extend north-westwards into the rear of the holding. The site adjoins established town-centre properties and caravan-park lands.
“Levels rise from the Kearns Lane end towards Main Street, a defining consideration in the proposed layout and section.”
Regarding the development principle, it was stated: “In this instance the development replaces an existing supermarket operating from an established Main Street location.
“It is not a proposal to transfer food retailing from the town into a separate out-of-town retail park. The new store will provide an improved facility for the resident and visitor population, increase the quality of retail accommodation and retain a convenience-shopping function within the urban area.
“The site and the proposals therefore support the principle of consolidating existing retail activity and sustaining the commercial role of Bundoran.”
According to documents, the new supermarket would be constructed and brought into use before the existing supermarket is taken out of operation, and only following the completion and opening of the replacement premises will the existing supermarket be demolished.
It was concluded within the design statement: “The proposed replacement Simpsons supermarket is a considered redevelopment of an established Main Street retail
site.
“Its scale and layout provide modern supermarket accommodation within the existing urban setting, with a clearly defined glazed frontage, durable local and contemporary materials, appropriate customer parking and a separate delivery operation.
“The proposal retains the longstanding convenience-retail function at this location and provides a substantial improvement in the quality and operation of the premises.
For the architectural, urban-design and retail-development reasons outlined above, the proposal represents an appropriate renewal of commercial premises within Bundoran and is submitted for the consideration of Donegal County Council.”
Donegal County Council has yet to announce a decision due date for the submitted planning application.