Defining criteria of a Neighbourhood Centre / Local Centre should not be ‘restrictive’ in nature, but rather consistent with the definition as presented within the Retail Planning Guidelines 2012

The purpose of this submission is to ensure the retail planning policies and objectives of the Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022 - 2028 is consistent with the provisions of the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012), reflecting the changes in the sector in recent years and to provide the appropriate policy context to facilitate the existing and expanding network of stores in Cork City.  This is especially true in Cork City and surrounds where Lidl feel that they are currently underrepresented.

• Lidl Foodstores represent more of a 'local shopping' function, with a greater proportion of shoppers using alternative modes of transport (by foot or by public transport) to the private car, representing a more 'sustainable shopping pattern and experience' than mainstream supermarkets.  Where opportunities arise, Lidl seeks the most proximate location to facilitate shared car journey opportunities between multiple FoodstoresT
• The development of multiple Foodstores (i.e. different operators to facilitate local competition and consumer choice) within a Centre should be encouraged which will add to the vitality and viability of Neighbourhood and Local Centres in the Metropolitan Area, enhancing the provision of a range of retail functions and provide a greater diversity.

• Subject to the key retail tests in terms of the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012), the location of new Foodstores adjacent to designated Neighbourhood and Local Centres should be promoted to complement the fulfilment of the local shopping function and improve the mix of convenience shopping.  This could lead to the expansion/extension of the designated Neighbourhood / Local Centre. 

In terms of the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012), new convenience space should be accommodated in areas where such need can be demonstrated through the key retail tests:  Justifying Need; Impact; Sequential Test; and Ensuring that the development is of an Appropriate Scale (that such additional space can be accommodated).

• The defining criteria of a Neighbourhood Centre / Local Centre as detailed on page 240, under section 7.87 Neighbourhood and Local Centres within the Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022 – 2028, should not be ‘restrictive’ in nature, but rather consistent with the definition as presented within the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012).  We request that paragraph 7.87 Neighbourhood and Local Centres of the Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022 – 2028 be amended to reflect the definition as presented within the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012), with the additional text identified in red, and deleted text identified in blue to read as follows:

7.87 Neighbourhood and Local Centres:

Neighbourhood and local centres comprise a small group of shops, typically comprising newsagent, small supermarket/general grocery store, sub-post office and other small shops of a local nature serving a small, localised catchment population. are generally anchored by a small or medium sized convenience store and tend to include a number of smaller, associated local service units that enhance the overall appeal of the centre in terms of service provision and design.  It is essential that they are mixed-use centres incorporating a range of local services. In assessing applications for new centres, the Council will have regard to the proximity of nearby alternative retail facilities and the vitality and viability of these centres, the design quality of the proposed centre and its mix of uses, ensuring that the centre is not overtly dominated by one particular unit or use. This should be demonstrated through the submission of a Retail Impact Assessment.