Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends the removal of Condition 3, as both the proposed new entrance and the existing access are justified for operational efficiency and road safety, allowing for the separation of livestock movements and heavy machinery access on a narrow rural road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The retention of the existing gate is operationally vital for the farm to provide safe and convenient access for cattle to the crush area, separate from larger farm machinery.
- A new, wider vehicular access improves road safety by providing an adequate turning circle for modern agricultural vehicles, which are currently restricted by the narrowness of the existing gate and adjacent buildings.
- The proposal to maintain both access points does not result in an undue impact on the visual amenities of the rural landscape and remains consistent with the objectives of the Fingal County Development Plan 2023-2029.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RU 'Rural' Zoning ObjectiveDMSO100DMSO115DMSO118DMSO128
Decision Document Summary
The application relates to the construction of a new 8.8m wide farmyard entrance at Commons Lower, Garristown, Co. Dublin, on lands zoned 'RU' (Rural). Fingal County Council granted permission but included a condition (No. 3) requiring the closure of an existing agricultural access to the east. The applicants appealed this condition, arguing the existing gate is essential for livestock handling and that a new, wider entrance is necessary for large machinery due to the narrowness of the local roa...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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