MOST READ (2023): Car park refused planning permission in Kilkenny

An Bord Pleanála have decided to refuse planning permission for a 'temporary' new 62 space car park in Kilkenny City.

City Cinemas Limited originally submitted plans for a new car park on Barrack Street to Kilkenny County Council in 2021.

The proposed development sought a new temporary car park for a period of up to five years, containing 62 car parking spaces, minor alterations to the existing vehicular entrances off Barrack Street, provision of signage and part removal of existing boundary fencing to provide pedestrian access to the adjacent cinema site.

Kilkenny County Council decided to refuse permission later that year however an appeal was subsequently lodged by the applicant to An Bord Pleanála, the national planning body.

An Bord Pleanála's decision to refuse permission was made 'having regard to the provisions of the Kilkenny City and Council Development Plan', and cited an objective contained within the plan to achieve a modal shift away from the private car to walking/cycling.

An Bord Pleanála considered that the proposed development would mitigate against this objective.

It is also considered that the proposed development would be contrary to aims for a greater modal share of sustainable and active travel modes.

The An Bord Pleanála report notes that 'the site forms part of a larger area formerly containing the Kilkenny Livestock Mart'.

It continues, "Notwithstanding that the carpark is of a temporary nature, it is considered that the proposed carpark would be premature pending the completion of a masterplan dealing inter alia with the mix of uses, phasing of development, movement, public realm and urban design.

"The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

The decision from An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission was made on December 20, 2022.