Plans for new Decathlon store in Waterford in doubt following An Bord Pleanála decision

Plans for a new Decathlon store on the outskirts of Waterford city could be under threat after An Bord Pleanála rejected an appeal against planning conditions imposed on the developer behind the project.

Monaco Properties Limited was granted planning permission, in January 2023, to construct an extension to the existing Waterford Retail Park at Butlerstown North.

The development will include five retail warehouse units with DIY retailer B&Q and French sports retailer Decathlon being earmarked to occupy two of the units.

However, one of the condition attached to the planning permission specifies that only 20% of the floorspace in the units can be used for the sale and display of 'non-bulky' items.

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Local authority planners say the condition is to ensure the units are primarily used for the sale of bulky goods as this would minimise potential impacts on the central retail areas of Waterford City.

Monaco Properties Limited appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála with planning consultants proposing an alternative wording to the condition.

They stated the condition imposed by planners was inconsistent with the decision of other local authorities.

The consultants submitted the Decathlon type use is a "unique retail format" which has, in other locations across Ireland, "been deemed compatible with a retail park environment".

The French company operates a number of stores in Ireland and it has publicly stated that it hopes to open a store in Waterford - the first in the South East.

In his report, which has just been published, planning inspector Peter Nelson said he believes the removal of the restriction on the sale of "ancillary non-bulky leisure and sports-related goods would have the potential to adversely affect the vitality and viability of established retail centres in Waterford city".

Mr Nelson, in his 20-page report, recommended that the appeal be rejected and that the condition imposed by the local authority should remain.

"Having regard to the nature and scale of the proposed development, the location of the site, the ‘General Business’ zoning for the site, and the provisions of Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028, and the Retail Planning Guidelines2012, it is considered that the inclusion of Condition No.2 will help protect the vitality and viability of Waterford City Centre and would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area," he stated.