Cllrs vote to allow development expansion at Colpe Cross

Meath councillors have voted to allow the size and scale of shopping development at Colpe Cross, south of Drogheda, to increase beyond catering just for local 'neighbourhood' retail needs. County Manager Tom Dowling had recommended retention of 'neighbourhood centre' or traditional local shopping facilities zoning to be retained at the location. Retail development already has taken off on a grand scale at Colpe Cross/Grangerath with Dunne"s Stores last week opening a new outlet to join other units there. Colpe Cross is close to the huge Grangerath housing development. Councillors last Monday considered Mr Dowling"s report and recommendations on 41 submissions received in response to the public display period for the controversial Drogheda Environs Draft Local Area Plan (LAP). Members from the Slane/East Meath electoral area (where Colpe Cross is located) were divided in their reaction to a submission on behalf of Shannon Homes and a vote on the issue resulted in the rejection of Mr Dowling"s recommendation. The submission on behalf of Shannon Homes sought B2 zoning (district centre) for Colpe Cross rather than retention of B3 'neighbourhood centre' zoning, as recommended by Mr Dowling. The B3 zoning aims to 'protect, provide and improve local shopping facilities'. Mr Dowling acknowledged the reasons and justifications given for a change to district centre zoning. These included the special objective in the 2003 County Retail Strategy providing for a neighbourhood/small district centre scale retail facility at the location. The county manager said the key objective was to provide local facilities within walking distance of existing and future residents. In this regard, it was acknowledged that the centre already at Colpe Cross was larger than 'a traditional neighbourhood centre'. However, it was not envisaged to be appropriate that the centre should grow further and, as such, its primary function as a local neighbourhood was reflected in the B3 zoning, said Mr Dowling. His recommendation with regard to the submission was for 'no change'. One Slane electoral area member who disagreed with Mr Dowling was Cllr Jimmy Cudden (Independent) who argued that rezoning for larger scale retail development would bring in extra income to the council in the form of rates. Cllr Pat Boshell, also Slane area, supported Cllr Cudden. Those from the area supporting the manager"s recommendation were councillors Eoin Holmes (Labour) and Ann Dillon-Gallagher (Fine Gael); Slane area Green party member, Councillor Tom Kelly was not at the meeting. Cllr Dillon-Gallagher proposed and Cllr Holmes seconded supporting the manager"s recommendation to retail existing zoning. Just eight were in favour of this, 13 voted against, two abstained and six members were absent. This proposed amendment with a number of others must now go back on public display. The manager then must report back to the council again on submissions.