New Aldi store plans on hold as concerns raised about design, traffic, flooding and impact on bats

Plans for an Aldi store in Boyle have been put on hold as Roscommon County Council seeks extensive information on a range of concerns highlighted by its planners.

A decision on the project was due yesterday (Monday) but further information is now being sought from the German supermarket chain. In a detailed document, the council has itemised fifteen areas of concern, ranging from design, traffic and flooding to the potential impact on bats and flora and fauna.

Issues around the design of the proposed foodstore are being raised due to its close proximity to Frybrook House, a protected structure, and the “Boyle Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)”.

Aldi is being requested to submit proposals for a “revised design solution” which is “more reflective in its architectural composition and language of the character of the historic buildings which give Boyle town centre and ACA its character”.

The council is also seeking a detailed structural report on the condition of five historic buildings on Patrick Street and “on their structural robustness to withstand the proposed interventions”.

The supermarket plan is part of a mixed-use development which includes the proposed refurbishment of vacant buildings along Patrick Street to provide for five houses comprising three one-beds and two two-beds.

Among the extensive information being sought by planners, Aldi is being asked to submit an ecological impact assessment which “assesses potential impacts of the proposed development on bats which are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and habitats/fauna of local importance”.

“The revised ecological impact assessment is required to include recommendations for mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts identified,” the planners note.

Along with a road safety audit, a revised traffic impact assessment is also being requested. The council want the scope of this assessment to be increased to include an analysis of the road junction with the N61.

“The legacy design of this junction is of poor geometry and it is considered that there will be a significant increase in turning movements at this junction as a result of the proposed development,” it said.

The supermarket chain must also submit a site-specific flood risk assessment as the Boyle Local Area Plan identified a small portion of this site “as potentially being located within Flood Zone A”.

An Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) will also have to be carried out, with the council noting that the proposed development would involve groundworks “within the area of archaeological potential around a recorded monument”.

In late February, the discount supermarket chain lodged a planning application to build a medium sized single storey supermarket with off-licence. 

The proposed scheme is on the former Candon’s site and lands to the rear of Patrick Street, comprising just over two acres.

30 permanent new jobs could be created if the development gets the go-ahead.

Aldi now has six months to respond to the council’s request for further information.