2560056
construct an Enterprise & Employment Park to provide 5 no. serviced sites, on a site of 2.95ha at Townparks, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois. The proposed development includes; 1) the provision of vehicular, pedestrian/cycle access onto the existing R445, including the provision of a new arm off the R445 roundabout; 2) an internal road and footpath and cycle lane network; 3) site clearance & infilling of the land up to c101clm; 4) foul & surface water drainage; 5) landscaping & boundary treatment; 6) an ESB Substation; 7) lighting, signage & all associated site development works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will also be submitted to the planning authority with the planning application.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is located on unzoned agricultural land in a rural area, which is contrary to the Laois County Development Plan's strategy to focus economic development within towns, and fails to demonstrate that it will not adversely affect the integrity of nearby Natura 2000 sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is located on unzoned agricultural land in a rural area, and permitting an enterprise park here would undermine the viability of zoned lands and conflict with the County Development Plan's objective to maintain towns as economic drivers.
- The development would result in a significant injury to the visual amenity of the rural area and set an undesirable precedent for haphazard, unplanned development on unzoned lands.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposal, which has a direct hydrological connection to the River Nore SPA and River Barrow & River Nore SAC, would not have a significant negative impact on these protected Natura 2000 sites and their associated species.