212334
two buildings for the manufacture of building materials arranged on two self-contained sites together with an access road, landscaping, boundary treatments, car parking, bicycle parking, bin storage, signage, ESB substation and all associated site development works including drainage pipework and connections, utility services and public lighting, The total site area is 4.88ha. Building 1 will be used for the manufacture of insulated formwork for the construction industry and will have a gross floor area of approx. 2794sqm. This includes ground floor production area and storage areas together with an office/showroom/training space arranged over two floors. The site for Building 1 will include for a hardstand external storage area, a circulation roadway, car parking, bicycle parking, bin storage, landscaping, boundary fencing and gates, signage and all associated site development works. Building 2 will be used for the manufacture of precast concrete products for the construction industry and will have a gross floor area of approx. 5386sqm (inclusive of office space over two floors). The site for Building 2 will include for hardstand external storage area, a circulation roadway, car parking, bicycle parking, bin storage, landscaping, boundary fencing and gates, signage and all associated site development works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal lacks a robust locational justification for a large-scale industrial development in an un-serviced rural area and presents significant traffic safety concerns regarding access onto a strategic regional road corridor.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a site-specific or locational necessity to justify placing a large-scale manufacturing facility in a rural area rather than within a defined, appropriately zoned settlement.
- The proposed development would create a traffic hazard on the R125 strategic corridor due to inadequate visibility splays and a lack of safe pedestrian and cycle integration with existing infrastructure.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for industrial developments in un-serviced rural locations, which would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area as set out in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.