Permission granted for warehouse extension at enterprise park in Ennis

Permission has been granted for the proposed extension of a warehouse premises at Gort Road Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Ennis.

The applicant - Balloonloft Limited - received permission from Clare County Council in November 2022 but this decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

The unit to be extended is occupied by NW Detailing Studio, which provides vehicle paint correction, scratch removal, valeting and car audio upgrade services. Six new car parking spaces will also be installed as part of the development.

According to a report prepared by planning inspector Eoin Kelliher, those opposed to the development cited concerns over the current lack of parking in the industrial estate and the impact that the larger premises would have on congestion.

It was also submitted that the proposed development "is not in keeping with the symmetrical design of the enterprise centre and detracts from the properties on the opposite side of the road".

Concerns were also expressed about the proposed removal of existing soft landscaping close to the warehouse premises.

In his report, Mr Kelliher noted the applicant company has agreed not proceed with plans to install a new loading bay as originally proposed.

Recommending that permission be granted, he stated: "It is considered that the proposed development would not seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity or endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard."

Having considered the application and the planning inspector's report, members of An Bord Pleanála decided to grant permission at a meeting earlier this month.

However, one element of the development - the installation of a roller shutter door - has been rejected and cannot proceed.