Core Refusal Reason
The proposed totem sign would create a traffic hazard on the N80 National Secondary Route and cause significant visual clutter, negatively impacting the visual amenity of the rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 6.25m high sign would be a visually prominent feature in the rural landscape, leading to visual clutter and injury to the area's visual amenities contrary to the County Development Plan.
- The development fails to accord with DoECLG Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines, as it would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and distraction to road users on a national route.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar free-standing advertising structures, which would adversely affect the operational efficiency and safety of the N80 road network.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Development Management Standard DM TC 10
Decision Document Summary
Laois Sawmills Limited sought permission to construct a 6.25m high triangular totem advertising sign at their facility in Ballymacken, Co. Laois, situated on a 11.9ha site fronting the N80 National Secondary Route. The Planning Authority refused the application primarily because the sign's scale and location were deemed a threat to road safety and public health due to potential driver distraction. Additionally, the inspector concluded that the sign would contribute to visual clutter in a rural a...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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