Plan put on hold for Laois filling station to serve Electric Picnic town
Laois planners delay their decision on a motoring service station for Stradbally
A proposed motor service station in Stradbally in Laois is on hold, following a request for extra reports by Laois County Council planners.
The council wants reports done on road safety, pedestrian safety, surface water drainage plans.
They also ask the applicants to address concerns raised by neighbours in submissions.
The planners also ask for a site layout plan for fuel trucks, bicycle parking and EV chargers, as well as a lighting design. They also ask for a landscaping proposal, to soften the appearance of the development.
A decision had been due this July.
The plan had received objections by site neighbours, and a request to tackle rodents, by the HSE.
If it is approved, it would end a long spell of there being no filling station in Stradbally, despite the small town having major influxes of visitors for events like Electric Picnic and Stradbally Steam Rally.
The planning application by Niall and Ciaran Sheehy seeks permission for a new filling station with a canopy, four pumps, EV chargers, a shop, a deli with seating and a car wash.
The HSE had said while it has no comment regarding planning matters, it advises a rodent baiting programme for at least six weeks before site work starts because the site is “in close proximity to residential properties”. They have also sent advice for internal layout “with regard to food safety”.
Meanwhile two neighbouring households had objected.
One couple say it would “impact our daily living”, listing concerns for security and anti-social behaviour after closing times, bright lights, surface water runoff, the lack of a footpath, the danger of explosions or spillage of oil or corrosive chemicals, and finally ask for “reasonable open times “so as not to interfere with family living”.
“We hope these concerns will be considered in the interest of the general wellbeing of the people of Stradbally and others who may use this facility. We are not objecting to the need for the service station in Stradbally but we would like due consideration to our submissions and respect for the households in the area,” the couple said.
A second neighbour also lives across from the site and is concerned at “the overall effect of introducing a petrol filling station into a predominantly residential environment”.
“My concerns relate to the potential impacts on residential amenity, traffic safety, environmental risk, visual impact, waste management and the overall character of the locality.
“Recent events in Donegal have understandably heightened public awareness of safety considerations associated with fuel-related developments. I believe it is reasonable that the Council carefully examines all safety and emergency management arrangements.”
The neighbour asked for a traffic safety assessment, and whether staff will get safety training. They ask for mature planting to screen off the premises, and measures to prevent “late night loitering”.
The station is proposed on the Athy Road, and the application says it is a derelict site where “a historic facility ceased operation about 25 yrs ago.”
The applicants state that the proposed facility will provide additional part time jobs in the town where job opportunities are limited.
“Currently residents must drive to Ballylinan, Portlaoise or Ballyroan for fuel. The proposed facility will encourage sustainable travel patterns by reducing car trips for fuel alone and the facility will also provide EV charging stations which are lacking in the village,” they had said.
The proposed new filling station would also have separate truck and agricultural diesel fuel stations, outdoor solid fuel and gas storage, a goods store and staff facilities.