Planning permission refused for Tullamore funeral parlour

Planning permission has been refused for a proposed funeral parlour in the centre of Tullamore.

An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly Bord Pleanála) this week overturned Offaly County Council’s decision to give planning approval to PJ Lambe, David Lambe and Edel Kenny to convert an existing commercial unit on Main Street in Tullamore into a funeral parlour.

The Coimisiún decision came on foot of an appeal by David Gibb, United Laundry, Unit 6F Axis Business Park, Tullamore.

In a ruling published this week, the Coimisiún ruled that it considered the proposed change of use to a funeral parlour would constitute an inappropriate use given the absence of parking/set down area associated with the hearse.

It said this would result in undue traffic congestion, would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users, and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

In his planning report, an inspector for the Coimisiún said, in his opinion, the lack of dedicated parking for the hearse was a serious constraint associated with the site.

The inspector noted that the applicant had stated that the loading and unloading of the coffin would be undertaken the parking area to the front of the building. However, the car parking spaces to the front are public and the applicant has no control over when or for what duration these parking spaces can be used.

“Further Information states that if the car parking space to the front of the building is occupied then it is intended to use the nearest car parking space to the premises and the coffin can be transported on the pavement a short distance by trolley. Again, the applicant does not have any discretion as to where these spaces may be any car parking space could be on the opposite side of the road.

The inspector said he would have concerns with respect to the dignity of the deceased as there is no guarantee that a parking space would be available in the immediate vicinity of the appeal site.

He added that loading or unloading the coffin on the road had the potential to cause traffic congestion on a busy street within the town centre. He also voiced concerns that the use of what he said was a narrow footpath for moving the coffin would mean that pedestrians may have to step onto the road to allow the coffin to pass, creating the potential for hazard for pedestrians.