24/4477
Retention of the 6 metre wide and 5.5 metre high rapid action fire door link as constructed through the internal subdivision wall between Unit no. 1A and Unit no. 1B of building no.1 (which forms part of an overall permitted Logistical, Storage and Distribution warehousing/wholesale warehousing development currently being constructed under Cork County Council plan. reg. ref. 19/5276), allowing for the internal movement of goods/materials, personnel and ancillary operational equipment between Unit no. 1A and Unit no. 1B; and Permission for amendments/alterations to the operational hours of building Unit no. 1 only (which forms part of an overall permitted Logistical, Storage and Distribution warehousing/wholesale warehousing development currently being constructed under Cork County Council plan. reg. ref. 19/5276) by removing in its entirety the operational hours restriction as permitted by condition no. 3 of 19/5276 (0700 hours to 2200 hours Monday to Friday and 0800 hours to 1800 hours Saturdays) to facilitate Building unit no. 1 to operate 24 hours a day, inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends that the Board direct the Planning Authority to remove certain conditions and amend others, concluding that 24-hour operation is compatible with the strategic employment zoning and will not adversely impact residential amenity if proper noise monitoring and landscaping are maintained.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 24/7 operation of Unit 1 is consistent with the strategic employment role of Little Island and predicted noise levels remain within acceptable thresholds established in the parent permission.
- Condition 4, requiring an increase in the height of the earth berm, is unfeasible and ultra vires as it would necessitate works on third-party lands outside the applicant's control.
- Conditions 5 and 7 regarding landscaping and noise monitoring should be retained and amended to ensure effective visual screening and ongoing protection of the adjacent residential amenities.