Come for Lunch, But Don’t Come for Lunch

A proposal to allow caterers to operate out of a plantation car park is not intended to attract people who just want to buy food.

DEFA has applied for permission to allow food vendors to operate out of Chibbanagh Plantation car park on the Cooil Road.

This application is seeking permission, for up to five years, to accommodate a catering vehicle to provide hot and cold drinks and food. 

However, the planning statement submitted by the gov’s agent says: ‘It is not intended that these facilities will attract additional people to the sites who would just utilise the catering facilities and then leave, but to provide facilities for those who are visiting the sites and walking, cycling or otherwise enjoying the amenities that the forests have to offer.’

The proposal for a five year approval is to see if there is demand and benefit for the facilities and if they could develop into a more permanent feature. They would only operate during daylight hours and there won’t be any additional lighting.

Local operators will be invited to tender for the site. and the application says: ‘It is intended that the successful businesses will support the recreational use of their area with their menus appropriate for the users of the plantations and should support the Food Matters Strategy.

‘These food offered is anticipated to be coffee and cake based, vegetarian, artisan food offerings, local grown meat products. The Department is not looking for typical fast food facilities and each businesses will need to demonstrate that it will provide uniqueness that befits the setting.’

As there are gov departments involved, CoMin will rule on whether the gov can allow food vans to set up business in the car park, which is owned by the gov.

You can read the application here.