SD23A/0265
The development within an area of 4.1 hectares will comprise of: A new concrete plant (7,271 sq metres), comprising enclosed mixing units, 16 no. cement silos (c. 23 metres height), enclosed aggregate storage bins (c. 16.5 metres height), feed conveyor systems, & 2 no. control rooms; a replacement truck wash out facility (1,237 sq. metres); and related ancillary works within a 4.2 hectare application area at the existing quarry. The new concrete plant will replace the three existing concrete plants on site, all of which will be decommissioned upon commencement of operation of the new plant.
Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends the omission of Condition No. 15 because the Planning Authority incorrectly applied the Development Contribution Scheme; the proposed concrete plant structures do not constitute Gross Floor Area (GFA), and the associated control rooms are exempt as ancillary plant rooms.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Planning Authority admitted a genuine error in calculation by mistaking the 7,271m² footprint of the plant and equipment for Gross Floor Area (GFA).
- The two proposed control rooms, totaling 26m², are considered 'Ancillary plant rooms' where plant is not a core activity, rendering them exempt under Section 11(xxiii) of the Development Contribution Scheme.
- As the proposed development does not comprise any taxable Gross Floor Area, the financial contribution requirement under Condition No. 15 should be nil and the condition omitted in its entirety.