Plans hammered out for Buncrana hardware extension

A popular Buncrana hardware store has been granted planning permission for an extension to its premises in Cockhill.

Cormac Cullen of Cullen’s Hardware sought approval from Donegal County Council for a two-storey extension to the existing store. The development will provide additional retail space on the ground floor, with storage facilities on the first floor.

The property, located adjacent to St Mary’s Church in Cockhill, currently accommodates the hardware store along with a newsagent’s and a filling station.

Planning permission was granted subject to six conditions. The council stipulated that the extension must be used solely in conjunction with the applicant’s existing retail business and may not be used as a standalone commercial unit or rented separately without further planning approval. 

Conditions also relate to signage and lighting. Any signage must be agreed in advance with the planning authority, while LED, neon, or digital display lighting will not be permitted. 

Noise levels associated with the operation of the business must not exceed specified limits, and proposals must be submitted to rectify the issue if those limits are breached.

External lighting must be designed to prevent light spillage onto the public road, while construction hours are restricted to between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, with no works permitted on Sundays or public holidays.

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Further conditions address drainage, with no surface water allowed to discharge onto the public road or into the public foul sewer network. While all drinking water is required to be supplied from the public water mains.