S.I. No. 193/1998 - Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive (Shopping), 1998

S.I. No. 193 of 1998.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) GENERAL POLICY DIRECTIVE (SHOPPING), 1998

The Minister for the Environment and Local Government, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 7 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1982 (No. 21 of 1982), hereby issues the following general directive:

1. (a) This Directive may be cited as the Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive (Shopping), 1998,

(b) This Directive shall come into operation on the 10th day of June, 1998, and

(c) This Directive replaces the Local Government (Planning and Development) General Policy Directive, 1982.

2. Policy in relation to planning and development requires that planning permission should not be granted for a supermarket, the retail floor space of which exceeds 3,000 square metres, whether such development involves an extension to existing development or otherwise.

3. Policy in relation to planning and development requires that planning permission for retail shopping development (including motor fuel retailing), other than that at paragraph 2, which would constitute a substantial addition to existing retail facilities of that type within the perceived catchment area of the proposed development (notwithstanding that such area may extend beyond the functional area of the planning authority), shall be guided by the following criteria:

(a) the adequacy of existing retail shopping outlets;

(b) the size and location of existing retail shopping outlets;

(c) the quality and convenience of existing retail shopping outlets;

(d) the effect on existing communities, including in particular the effect on established retail shopping outlets and on employment;

(e) the needs of those who may be dependent on the availability of retail shopping outlets within walking distance;

(f) the need to counter urban decline and to promote urban renewal and to promote the optimum utilisation of existing infrastructure in urban areas;

(g) the impacts on road traffic.

GIVEN under the Official Seal of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on this 9th day of June, 1998.

NOEL DEMPSEY,

Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

This Directive specifies policy considerations to which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanala must have regard in performing their functions in relation to specified supermarket development and other retail shopping development.