Lambes plan to expand Clara shop

The popular Mace shop in Clara has sought planning permission from Offaly County Council for a major expansion of its existing premises on the outskirts of the town.

The owners of the premises, Lambes Oil Limited, are seeking permission to change the use of part of the adjoining stores to their existing premises at Charlestown, on the Kilbeggan Road out of Clara, to facilitate an expansion of the shop.

The plans include new toilet facilities, storage and new deli area; relocation of the off-licence, stairwell and staff facilities; a relocation of the entrance to the shop from the forecourt and adjustments to the roof to form a new parapet with signage.

The proposed site works also include the provision of associated car park to the rear of the adjoining Clara Depot building to create a total of 17 car parking spaces, loading bay, EV charging points, bin storage and a bike store. This will be facilitated by the demolition of an existing single storey store and the removal of the shared boundary wall.

Also included as part of the expansion plans are adjustments to the street boundary to provide a wider vehicular entrance to Bridge Street.

The planning documents state that the building is within the curtilage of two protected structures under the Record of Protected Structures in the Offaly County Development Plan but no works are proposed to either protected structure.

Offaly County Council is due to make a decision on the expansion plans for the Clara Mace shop by July 22 next.