An Bord Pleanala have overturned the decision by Galway County Council to grant permission for a large-scale shopping complex outside Tuam, Co. Galway. 

The applicant initially sought permission for a mixed use development (9,040 square metres gross) comprising anchor retail unit (4,300 square metres gross); 3 no. retail warehouse type units including DIY centre; drive-thru restaurant and ancillary development.  The scale was later reduced during the planning process.

The Board agreed with their senior inspector’s recommendation that Having regard to the scale and location of the proposed development outside the town centre area, and to the strategy indicated in the current Tuam Local Area Plan to concentrate and consolidate commercial activity in the town centre, the proposed development, would seriously injure the vitality and viability of the town centre of Tuam. 

The Board did not support the view that the proposed development would undermine the LAP indicative objective of providing a neighbourhood centre of appropriate scale west of the N17 National primary Road, and adversely affect the strategic function of the said road.