23/749
Permission for: (i) retention of partial infill of former lobster pond, (ii) completion of in-fill of pond, (iii) change of use of existing structure to a quay, construction of extension to same to incude improvement works to existing structure, (iv) construction of slipway, and (v) all associated site works - all for specific community usage, private usage, aquaculture & inshore fishing usage as well as leisure activities. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted with the application. The Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to inadequate road access, conflict with Town Greenbelt objectives, potential ecological damage to coastal habitats, and procedural prematurity regarding Maritime Area Consent.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the narrow and restricted local road network could safely accommodate the traffic generated by the development without compromising road safety.
- The development constitutes an unjustified incursion into the Town Greenbelt that would undermine the strategic role of Castletownbere port and set an undesirable precedent for sprawl.
- Insufficient information was provided to rule out negative ecological impacts on sensitive coastal habitats, and the application is procedurally premature in the absence of a Maritime Area Consent.