2442857
Permission for development at: Lands to the immediate south of Ballyvolane Shopping Centre, bordered by Ballyhooly Road (R614) to the east and the North Ring Road (R635) to the south. The development will consist of: The use of lands south of Ballyvolane Shopping Centre's car park (c1.42ha) as an Urban Farm (agricultural use) focused on market gardening, agroforestry and ancillary educational activities. Lands north of the Glen River will be used for market gardening (the cultivation of fruits and vegetables). The market garden will include a Polytunnel (210 square metres), a repurposed shipping container (28.2 square metres) that will serve as a canteen/toilet/storage facility, crop growing areas and an outdoor welcome area for educational purposes. To the south of the river an Agroforestry System is proposed, comprised of tress with understorey crops of fruit, flowers and vegetables. The trees will be selected to provide crops of fruits. The development will also include: Wood chip pathways, a small bridge structure (2.24m wide) across the Glen River, landscaping, tree planting, rain harvesting barrels, boundary fencing, a riparian buffer, a set down/collection area within the shopping centre's car park, temporary access from the R614 Ballyhooly Road during construction works and all other associated site development works/services including a connection to the shopping centre's foul network. Potable water and electricity will also be provided by the shopping centre.
Core Refusal Reason
Potential negative impact on a sensitive ecological corridor and protected species, specifically otters, along the Glen River.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The subject site forms a critical part of an ecological corridor along the Glen River which supports protected species, including otters.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed urban farm and associated structures would not have a negative impact on the sensitive receiving environment.
- The development is contrary to the biodiversity goals and objectives of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 and would injure the amenities of the area.