Cinema refused plans to extend

A submission by Bennett Developments featured prominently in an An Bord Pleanala Inspector"s report into the refusal of the development of a two screen extension to the six screen IMC Cinema at Lakepoint.An Bord Pleanala refused the planning application to provide two new cinema screens and proposed extension of the IMC Cinema at Lakepoint Retail Park in Mullingar on the grounds that the development might undermine Mullingar town centre.The planning appeal, which was lodged by Lakepoint Development Group Ltd on September 9 last, had previously been refused permission on the grounds that it 'would seriously undermine role of town centre' and was contrary to the town plan.The Inspectors report referred to a submission from Rickaton (Bennett Developments), which questioned the need for additional screens at the cinema and also queried the parking provision at Lakepoint.The Rickaton submission also questioned the need for the extra screens in the light of the recent decision to grant planning permission for the Blackhall cinema in the town centre.An Bord Pleanála Inspector"s report concluded that the extension of the cinema would have the potential to 'undermine the primacy of the town centre'.According to An Bord Pleanála, 'based on the documentation submitted with the application and appeal, the Board is not satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the viability of the town centre.'The Inspector further stated that: 'Having regard to the site"s location at the outskirts of Mullingar, it is considered that the proposed intensification of the existing cinema use on site has the potential either by itself or in culmination with existing and permitted development to undermine the primacy of the town centre.'In an interview with the Westmeath Examiner last February, Managing Director of Bennett Developments Eugene Moore said the starting date for the proposed town centre development at Blackhall would depend on the group attracting tenants.Bennett Developments have planned a whole new town centre development for Mullingar and are optimistic that the project will start this year.While this project remains on track for the town, Mr. Moore admitted the developers had reduced downwards proposed rents and rescheduled the proposed dates for residential units within the proposed development.The IMC Cinema Group had previously lodged an objection in relation to the planned development of the Blackhall retail centre planned for Mullingar.