Ennis Tesco granted permission for click and collect facility

TESCO has been granted planning permission for the development of a click and collect facility at its Ennis store, writes Owen Ryan.

The development comprises a 50 square metre canopy in its car park for the purpose of providing two click and collect spaces.

A letter accompanying the application says, “The development will consist of the construction of a sheltered canopy area (c 50sqm) with two parking bays in the existing Tesco car park at the above mentioned location.

“The proposed canopy area will be used for ‘Click and Collect’ purposes to serve the Tesco store and to meet customer demands. The proposal also includes ancillary signage and a pedestrian crossing to facilitate safe pedestrian movements within the car park and all associated site development works.”

Outlining the benefits, the document said, “The provision of dedicated spaces within the customer car parking area for ‘Click and Collect’ services is made in response to changing customer habits.

“Tesco currently operates a number of ‘Click and Collect’ facilities across the country which allows customers to collect their shopping at a time that suits them, without the requirement to enter the store.

“The demand for ‘Click and Collect’ facilities is increasing particularly over the last few months during the Covid-19 pandemic where customer practices have changed significantly. Taking cognisance of this, the proposal is considered necessary from a health and safety perspective in order to meet the needs of customers and offer an alternative shopping facility.

“The proposed development will provide a safe and dedicated area within the Tesco car park for customers to collect their online shopping order at a pre-determined collection timeslot, thus reducing the requirement for customers to enter the store.”

The planner’s report stated “The proposed canopy structure would measure approximately 50sqm (7.2m by 7m) with a maximum height of 6m and is proposed to be located within the existing car park. The structure will comprise a steel frame with PVC fabric covering steel frame trusses. The canopy will accommodate two parking bays for click and collect vehicles.”