An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala after permission was refused for a "convenience retail" store in Monaghan Retail Park.
Barry Aughey had lodged a planning application that would have seen a change of use of Unit 2 in the retail park from the existing 'retail warehouse'.
Mr Aughey's application would have turned Unit 2 of Monaghan Retail Park into a retail outlet which focuses on frozen food.
He says this type of retail outlet is not operational in County Monaghan at present.
However, Monaghan County Council refused the application, saying it was at odds with its 'Monaghan County Development Plan' which seeks to "promote and develop town centres as the principal location for retail".
The Council said the "permitting of a convenience retail unit of the scale proposed outside of the designated town centre would be contrary" to this objective.
It also said the "proposed development would adversely affect the vitality and viability of the existing town centre".
Mr Aughey has appealed the decision and disputed the claim that the proposed change of use would adversely affect the retail vitality of the town.
He added that the impact on individual retailers would be minimal.
In a planning appeal form, he also challenged the assertion that Monaghan Retail Park is "out of the town centre location" and said that the proposed development would help "address the legacy of vacant retail floor space in Monaghan".
