21334

Permission for (1) the restoration of a 6.1 hectare abandoned sand and gravel quarry to agricultural grassland, by backfilling, using imported inert soil and stone; and (2) temporary ancillary development including (a) 1 no. site office; (b) 1 no. portable toilet; (c) 1 no. wheelwash and (d) improvement works to the site entrance, access gates and access road and internal access tracks. A Natural Impact Statement will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposal involves works to an unauthorized quarry site that lacked mandatory EIA and AA, and fails to demonstrate adequate surface water management to prevent environmental pollution.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The development relates to an unauthorized quarry site where mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) were never conducted, making the proposal a regularisation of unauthorized works.
  • Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for development on unauthorized sites and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
  • The submitted documentation failed to demonstrate an adequate surface water management system, specifically regarding silt trap design for fine clay, posing a significant risk of pollution to groundwater and surface water.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Heritage - Policy 2Heritage - Objective 4Section 11.16Chapter NineChapter TenChapter ElevenAppendix 6

Decision Document Summary

Smith Groundworks and Civil Engineering Limited sought permission to restore a 6.1-hectare abandoned sand and gravel quarry at Tinnaclash, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow, to agricultural grassland using imported inert soil and stone. The site is located in a rural area near the Wicklow border and the Slaney River Valley SAC. Carlow County Council refused the application primarily because the underlying quarrying activity was deemed unauthorized under Section 261A, having lacked necessary EIA and AA. Ad...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.