An Bord Pleanála have refused planning permission for a proposed district centre in Monksland.
The application by local businessman Donie Kenny was for a discount food store and a two-storey mixed use building containing five shops, consulting rooms, a therapy unit, six apartments, and two office suites.
It would also include 170 car parking spaces and a proposed access road to the R362 Tuam Road.
Roscommon County Council initially refused permission for the development last August, following which Mr Kenny took his case to An Bord Pleanála.
In their ruling, An Bord Pleanála said that the location and proposed use would be in contravention of the Monksland/ Bealnamulla (Athlone West ) Local Area Plan, which aims to consolidate to the existing district centre, and retail planning guidelines. It would also go against the zoning objective for the site, which is currently listed as new residential.
Officials from Westmeath and Roscommon County Councils are currently beginning work on a joint local area plan and retail strategy for the Monksland area, arising from the recommendations of the Athlone Boundary Review Committee.
