Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends a grant of permission, concluding that the undergrounding of the 38kV line is necessary to facilitate the efficient development of residentially zoned lands and that the proposed 15-meter termination mast is an acceptable technical compromise that does not significantly injure visual or residential amenities.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The undergrounding of approximately 500 metres of overhead line is a positive proposal that enables the delivery of housing on zoned lands which would otherwise be partially sterilised by safety clearance requirements.
- While the 15-metre steel lattice mast will be a visible feature in the streetscape, it is a standard and necessary technical solution for a regulated utility and is considered an interim measure until further undergrounding occurs.
- The development is consistent with the strategic policy to underground utility services for the benefit of the public realm and does not pose a significant risk to traffic safety or the amenities of nearby residents.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective IUO45 (Undergrounding of Utility Infrastructure)Objective DMS 142RA - Residential Zoning ObjectiveRS - Residential Zoning ObjectiveFingal County Development Plan 2023Section 34(13) of the Planning and Development Act 2000Section 48 Development Contribution SchemeSection 531 of the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927
Decision Document Summary
The proposal by the Electricity Supply Board involves undergrounding 500 metres of an existing 38kV overhead line between structures 19 and 22, and the installation of a 15-metre high line-to-cable termination mast at Park Avenue, Streamstown, Malahide. The site is subject to an extant permission for 47 dwellings, the full delivery of which is constrained by the existing overhead lines. Fingal County Council initially refused permission, citing that the mast would be a visual intrusion and repre...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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