Permission for major Buncrana development appealed to An Bord Pleanala

A revised planning application for a major development on the old Fruit of the Loom site in Buncrana is before An Bord Pleanala.
The appeal is based on the Council awarding Jansu Development Limited  permission for a mixed use development made up of commercial units, apartments, parking spaces and 4 ESB stations.
The plans would also see the old factory demolished.
Over six years after its first planning bid, the development company Jansu was awarded permission for a scaled down application for a mixed development at the site of the old Fruit of the Loom dye house.
Permission had been granted for a mixed development consisting of retail and residential elements.
The plan provides for almost 4,300 square metres of retail space, with over half that given over to one anchor tenant, along with 12 smaller units, offices a cafe and a restaurant.
The plan, which is substantially smaller than the one approved by An Bord Pleanala in 2007, seeks permission for 32 apartments of various sizes.
The revised 2007 plan envisaged 50 apartments, down from an initial 70.
The council awarded permission this year but an appeal how now been lodged with An Bord Pleanala by RGDATA – it’s representative group for Ireland’s independently family owned grocery shops, convenience stores, forecourt stores and supermarkets.
Generally RGDATA’s objections are based on the impact a new development will have on existing business, particularly those in Town centres.
An Bord Pleanala will rule on the appeal in January of next year.