An Bord Pleanála gives go ahead for new garden centre in Ardee

An Bord Pleanála has given the go ahead for a new garden centre, a café and a children’s activity centre in Ardee, following an appeal against Louth County Council's decision to grant planning permission for the development last January.

Glebe Botanical Ltd was granted planning permission in January for the development at the former McCabes Garage, The Glebe, Ardee. The planned development comprises the refurbishment and upgrade and a change of use and extension of the existing building on site, to provide for a garden centre, a café and a children’s activity centre with associated outdoor display areas and polytunnels. 

The existing vehicular entrance off the R171 (Tallanstown Road) would be used for access for private cars and the public to the development. A new dedicated vehicular entrance for servicing and staff is planned onto the R171 north of the existing permitted vehicular access.

A third party appeal against the decision to grant planning permission was made to An Bord Pleanála by Ms Phyllis Kirk in February. In its decision to grant planning permission, An Bord Pleanála said that, subject to conditions it laid out:

"..the proposed development would result in the re-use and refurbishment of the existing vacant building on site, would be  acceptable in terms of quantum of floor area, would not seriously injure the amenities of the adjoining sites and would be acceptable in terms of traffic and pedestrian safety."