22/5032
The Midleton North Wastewater Pumping Station and Network, which will consist of: 1) a new wastewater pumping station with below ground wet well and chambers, 2 no. above ground kiosks, vent stack (c.6.2m in height), telemetry pole (c. 6m in height), boundary fencing, retaining wall, and modifications to an existing entrance from Mill Road, including new gates, to facilitate vehicular and pedestrian access; (2) the construction of a below ground pipeline (c. 650m long) connecting the proposed wastewater pumping station to the previously approved Water-Rock Pumping Station (consented as per Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (Water-Rock UEA Infrastructure Works); (3) the construction of c. 30m of an underground pipeline to connect the existing foul network on the mill road to the proposed foul pumping station; and (4) all associated site development, landscaping and site excavation works above and below ground, including the demolition of the existing boundary wall, fence and gates along the mill road, on lands to the west of Mill Road, and part of Mill Road, the Owenacurra River, and the northern Relief Road, in the townlands of Townparks, Broomfield West, and Knockgriffin (imokilly) Midleton, Co. Cork. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission as the development is a critical piece of infrastructure required to facilitate planned residential growth in Midleton and is consistent with the zoning and core strategy of the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal provides essential utility infrastructure that is ancillary to the zoned residential use and is vital for unlocking the Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area (UEA).
- Concerns raised by the appellant regarding disjointed planning and access coordination with CIÉ are not material planning grounds to refuse this application, as the pumping station is a permanent installation while the CIÉ works are temporary.
- The project, when subject to the mitigation measures in the Natura Impact Statement and construction management plans, will not adversely affect the integrity of European sites or have significant environmental impacts.