2150622

IMPORTATION OF CLEAN FILL MATERIAL AND RAISING OF EXISTING GROUND LEVELS TO LEVEL OFF TO PROVIDE AN AGRICULTURAL BENEFIT. THE WORKS WILL INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING: (A) FILLING OF LANDS, (B) CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY WHEEL WASH, (C) PIPING OF EXISTING WATER COURSE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS. A NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT (NIS) ACCOMPANIES THIS APPLICATION

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

The Inspector recommended refusal primarily due to flood risk, concluding that the Board cannot be satisfied that the proposed raising of ground levels and drainage modifications would not increase the risk of flooding to properties downstream, particularly in the absence of a comprehensive Stage 3 Site Specific Flood Risk Assessment.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The importation of 24,000m³ of fill material would reduce the site's natural flood plain and increase the volume and velocity of water discharging from the lands during high rainfall events.
  • The applicant's Drainage Summary Report is overly simplistic and fails to assess the capacity of the stream or the impact of increased discharge on residential dwellings located immediately downstream of the proposed discharge point.
  • The proposed development is premature and prejudicial to public safety as it fails to comply with the key principle of the Government's Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Flood Risk Management regarding the avoidance of increased flood risk elsewhere.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024Chapter 4: Economic DevelopmentPolicy ED-P-9 (Farm Diversification)Policy ED-P-14 (Criteria for economic development)Area of High Scenic Amenity

Decision Document Summary

The proposal involves the importation of clean fill material to raise and level existing ground levels on a 2.153ha site at Drumadooey, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, for agricultural benefit. The site, situated in an Area of High Scenic Amenity, contains a watercourse that discharges via a culvert under a public road near residential properties. While Donegal County Council initially granted permission, the decision was appealed by local residents who highlighted a history of severe flooding in 2017. T...
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