Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority initially refused permission on the grounds that the 2.5m high wall would be visually obtrusive within the 'GB' Greenbelt zoning and impede wildlife movement; however, the Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding that the wall is a necessary security measure for the adjoining dairy farm and that comprehensive landscaping would mitigate visual impacts.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The provision of a secure boundary is essential to protect the viability of the neighboring dairy farm from trespass and damage arising from adjacent residential expansion.
- The proposed landscaping scheme, featuring London Plane trees and wildflower edges, will effectively screen the wall and provide a visually satisfactory interface between urban and rural lands.
- The development follows an established planning precedent set by a similar wall previously permitted along the same distributor road (Reg. Ref. F18A/0102).
Cited Policies (CDP)
GB Zoning ObjectivePolicy SPQHP49Objective SPQHO91Policy GINHP8Policy GINHP21Objective DMSO128Objective CH34Objective PM31Objective PM33Objective DMS80
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves a 457m extension of an existing 2.5m high stone-finished boundary wall at Mooretown, Swords. The site serves as a buffer between newly developed residential lands and a working dairy farm, situated along the Swords Western Distributor Road. Fingal County Council refused the application, citing concerns that the wall's scale and design were contrary to Greenbelt zoning and would create an overbearing feature for future residents. The Inspector overturned this view, arguing t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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