Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development is considered acceptable as it supports the established recreational use of the site, provides a community amenity, and utilizes specific lighting design and mitigation measures to ensure that light spillage and visual impacts do not adversely affect residential amenities or the rural landscape character.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of development is acceptable given the established use of the site as GAA grounds and the planning gain provided to the rural community.
- Technical refinements in the lighting design, including 5m poles, zero-degree tilt, and 3000K Kelvin sources, effectively mitigate potential light pollution and protect the 'Uplands' landscape designation.
- A condition restricting the hours of operation to between 07:00 and 22:00 is essential and sufficient to safeguard the residential amenities of nearby properties.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Wexford County Council Development Plan 2013-2019Chapter 15 Recreation, Sport and Public Rights of WayObjective RS06Objective RS07Chapter 18: Development Management StandardsSection 18.9.7: Floodlighting of Sporting and Recreational FacilitiesSection 14.4.3Map 13 (Landscape Character Assessment)
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks permission for 47 five-meter high lighting poles around an existing 1.6km walking track at Kilrush/Askamore GAA Club, Co. Wexford. The 8.26-hectare site is located in a rural area designated as 'Uplands' in the County Development Plan. While initial planning reports suggested refusal due to illumination levels, a revised submission provided detailed mitigation: 3000K warm-light sources, luminaires tilted at zero degrees to prevent spill, and low-intensity output. A third-pa...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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