23/6593

Permission to upgrade our existing playing pitch facilities. The upgrade works involve the conversion of the east (Top) Pitch from a grass to an all-weather playing surface and will include the following ancillary works; The installation of 6 No. 15.2m high floodlights, surface water drainage, the replacement existing post and wire fencing with 1.2m high spectator fencing and all associated site development works.

Granted

Core Planning Reasoning

A split decision was recommended: granting permission for the all-weather pitch and fencing, but refusing the 15.2m floodlight poles because they would be visually obtrusive and dominant, negatively impacting the historic setting and integrity of Charles Fort National Monument.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The physical upgrade of the playing pitch to an all-weather surface is acceptable in principle as it supports recreational amenities within an established sports ground zoned for Green Infrastructure.
  • The proposed 15.2m floodlighting columns would be visually intrusive and represent an inappropriate encroachment on the landscape setting of Charles Fort, a nationally and internationally significant military monument.
  • Environmental concerns, specifically regarding microplastic runoff from the artificial turf and biodiversity net gain, can be managed through rigorous technical conditions including specialized filtration and native landscaping schemes.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective ZU18-13Objective GI14-9Objective KS-GC-04Objective KS-GC-05Policy BE 15-5Policy HE 16-6Policy HE 16-7Policy HE 16-11Policy HE 16-14Policy HE 16-15Policy HE 16-20Policy HE 16-21

Decision Document Summary

The application by Kinsale AFC involves the upgrade of playing pitch facilities at Madden Park, including the transition from grass to all-weather turf and the installation of six 15.2m floodlight poles. The site occupies a sensitive and elevated position overlooking Charles Fort, a 17th-century bastion fortress and National Monument. While the development is situated on the site of a former municipal dump and serves a clear community need for expanded sporting hours, the Inspector highlights a ...
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