Board allows off-licence on bookies site despite objections

Approval has been granted for the opening of a new off-licence on the site of a former bookmaker’s shop at Dillons Cross in Cork City, despite objections by local residents.

An Bord Pleánala has upheld the decision of Cork City Council to grant planning permission for the change of use of the vacant bookmaker’s premises at the junction of the Ballyhooly Road and the Old Youghal Road.

Council planners noted there was no other off-licence within the “local centre” of small shops in the area, while there were also no private residences immediately adjoining the premises.

A total of 26 parties, mostly local residents, raised objections to the proposed off-licence after expressing concern about an existing oversupply of off-licences in the area and that the new outlet would cause antisocial behaviour as well as litter, nuisance and parking problems.

The original ruling to approve the development was appealed by St Joseph’s Community Association which claimed the proposed off-licence was not compliant with the provisions of the Cork City Development Plan as it provided that off-licences should not exceed 10% of retail units in a local centre.

The group pointed out there were only four small shops and argued there should be nine other outlets before an off-licence could be considered.

St Joseph’s Community Association also claimed that there was already an excessive number of outlets selling alcohol in the area.

Gary O’Donovan, the owner of the proposed off-licence said the change of use of the building represented “a valuable, local commercial service”.

An inspector with An Bord Pleanála said the principle of having an off-licence within the local centre at Dillon’s Cross was “wholly compatible” with the city’s development plan.

He claimed the suggestion that the off-licence would create or fuel antisocial problems was “at best exaggerated” and that problems of anti-social behaviour were “evidently law and order issues” that should be addressed outside of the planning system.

An Bord Pleanála said that subject to a number of planning conditions, the proposed off-licence would not seriously injure the residential amenities of the area.

It also found that the development would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.