Second Boxd Coffee chain operating without planning permission as council issues warning letter

Cork City Council said it has issued a warning letter to the business due to the unauthorised use of a site on Carrigrohane Road 

Boxd said it hoped its Midleton closure would be a temporary measure as it continues to engage with the council

A Cork coffee chain which has been ordered to cease trading at one of its locations this week has been operating another popular drive-thru café without planning permission.

Boxd Coffee announced this week that it would close the Midleton kiosk it established earlier this year due to a "planning concern" with the council. 

A spokesperson for Cork County Council confirmed that it opened a planning enforcement file due to the company's unauthorised use of the site. 

"Cork County Council conducted an inspection of the development for which there is no planning permission," the spokesperson added.

Following this, the council said it recommended that proceedings be initiated seeking the developer to cease its unauthorised use of the site, with the matter remaining an active enforcement case. 

Now, Cork City Council has confirmed to the Irish Examiner that another popular drive-thru operated by Boxd is currently operating without planning permission on Carrigrohane Road. 

A spokesperson said it has sent a warning letter to the business, located within the curtilage of Denis McKerring Prestige & 4 x 4 Ltd on Carrigrohane Road. An enforcement point on the council's website states the letter was sent in March of this year, almost five years after the case was first received.

"We confirm that planning was never sought for a drive-thru café on Carrigrohane Road," the spokesperson said.

"A warning letter has been issued, but the City Council does not comment on live planning files, enforcement files and investigations."

Midleton closure

Speaking on this week's closure in East Cork, Boxd said the drive-thru unit, located at Knockgriffin in Midleton, has been "fully viable and incredibly well received... clearly demonstrating the need for facilities such as ours within the town."

A planning application was lodged for a drive-thru café at Knockgriffin in June 2023, with the proposed development comprising a converted shipping container, toilets, external seating, car parking and a food services area with stands to accommodate 12 food vans for both on-site consumption and takeaway services. 

Cork County Council refused planning in August 2023 for the proposal, stating that it was located on lands zoned for business and general employment.

"Having regard to the location of the proposed development outside of the town centre, it is considered that the proposal, if permitted, would constitute an inappropriate departure from the core zoning objective and would be in conflict with town centre policy," the council said. 

"The proposal is therefore contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

Despite the refusal, Boxd opened its Midleton kiosk at Knockgriffin earlier this year. 

Boxd said that while the current economic climate presents challenges for many businesses, having to close a successful one is "particularly difficult."

The company said it has been, and will continue to be, "in active engagement" with the council as it works towards reopening as soon as possible.

"At this stage, however, it has been recommended that this course of action is necessary to ensure those discussions remain constructive and productive," it said, adding that it is committed to doing "everything possible" to ensure that no jobs are lost as a result of the closure.

"As a Cork-born company with a passion for growing our business in the county while supporting local suppliers and businesses, this situation is deeply frustrating.

"Nevertheless, we remain optimistic and hope to share more positive news in the coming weeks in regard to Midleton and as we continue to invest and grow across Cork."

The company said its investment plans, including the addition of 15 new jobs, will now be put on hold. 

Boxd Coffee was first opened in November 2020 on Carrigrohane Road by cousins Michael Harding and Aidan Kiely. The pair operate two other Boxd chains, located on Bandon Road and in Ballincollig. The cousins also founded Swoon on Oliver Plunkett Street, which also operates a kiosk in Douglas.