The planning definition of ‘bulky goods’ definition of bulky goods has got greyer and greyer in recent years, with 'Retail Warehouse’ parks increasingly including retailers whose range of goods more closely resemble town centre comparison items than out-of-town bulky.

Under instruction from Sligo Chamber of Commerce, Urb submitted a Referral to An Bord Pleanala in March 2012 regarding Unit 5 at Sligo Retail Park operated by Home Store and More, on the basis that the range of goods sold by the new operator of this unit could not be considered as 'Bulky goods’ and therefore was illegal in planning terms and had a significant negative impact on the town centre.

ABP in their decision of 23rd May 2013 under Ref. 21.RL.2988 have accepted Urb’s arguments and have ruled inter alia  that the type and class of goods being sold by Homestore and More is development and is not exempted development.

This decision is significant,  and not only has major implications for Homestore and More’s operations throughout Ireland but also retailers of a similar nature in Retail Warehouse Parks.

For more information contact richard@urb.ie