Core Refusal Reason
The development is considered an acceptable alteration of a non-conforming use in a rural area, as it facilitates a functionally linked business relationship that supports the established Emerald Park leisure complex without compromising the 'RA' zoning objective or injuring the amenities of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of development is acceptable under Section 11.14.2 of the Meath County Development Plan, which allows for the merit-based consideration of alterations to established non-conforming uses in the 'RA - Rural Area' zone.
- The retention of the external refrigeration unit and the dual use of the warehouse (predominantly for Emerald Park) will not result in adverse impacts on residential amenity, traffic, or the character of the surrounding rural landscape.
- The omission of Condition 2 of the parent permission is acceptable provided it is replaced by a bespoke condition limiting non-ancillary storage to 25% of the floor area to ensure the facility remains primarily ancillary to the main visitor attraction.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 11.14.2Policy ED POL 55Section 4.28.3Section 11.6.7Objective DM OBJ 61Policy ED POL 18Policy ED POL 26Policy ED POL 38Objective RUR DEV SO 1Objective RUR DEV SO 10
Decision Document Summary
This report assesses a third-party appeal against the decision of Meath County Council to grant retention permission for the change of use of part of an existing 1,502 sq.m warehouse and a 67 sq.m refrigeration unit at Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park). The applicant sought to allow Innovation Brands Ltd (IBL) to use 50% of the building for warehousing not strictly related to the park's operation. While the Planning Authority granted this, the Inspector found a quantitative discrepancy between ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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