Plans for filling station and drive-thru for N55 site

It’s hoped to develop a service station and drive-thru on the N55 on the outskirts of Cavan Town. A local car dealership is seeking planning to demolish its existing showroom and replace it with the proposed new development.

Cavan Motors Ltd wants to build a modern plaza-style service station on the 2.8 acre site at Moynehall, just off the Cavan to Ballinagh bypass, where the listed business once operated a Nissan dealership.

The latest plans are for a single-storey service station, spanning almost 1,000 sq ft, complete with a retail area (100sq m), off-licence, two communal seating areas and four food and beverages offerings including a drive-thru style restaurant, accompanied with a dedicated vehicle lane.

Design

A Design Statement was prepared by Westmeath-based JA Gorman Consulting Engineers on behalf of Cavan Motors outlining the proposal. It includes removing the existing entrance from the N55 with all vehicular access coming via a roundabout access point.

This, they claim, will also best serve pedestrian safety north of Corlurgan Business Park.

‘The proposed development centres on the provision of new services for both passing motorists and local residents alike, by providing a modern service station with petrol forecourt and car wash facilities, in addition to hot and cold food/beverage facilities, multiple seating areas, car parking and rest areas, and other ancillary retail and employment opportunities,’ reads the report.

In addition to the new service station and forecourt, there is also a large car park (51 spaces), electric vehicle charging points (5) and 10 dedicated HGV parking zones, with six staff parking and storage, two car wash bays, and servicing yards also proposed.

The proposal stems from the desire of the applicant to optimise “this existing brownfield site which is currently underutilised”, and provide a new business providing “sustainable employment” for Cavan Town.

The application contends that the development is “compatible with neighbouring land uses”. A decision is due by December 18.