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(1) construct a new extension to an existing farm building to house livestock, including a new slatted underground slurry storage tank, completed with associated siteworks; (2) permission to construct a new extension to an existing farm building to provide a covered livestock handling area, completed with associated siteworks; and (3) permission to construct a new concrete base for storage of silage bales, completed with associated siteworks. The proposed development is within the curtilage of a protected structure, Annaghmore, Annaghmore (Garrycastle By), protected structure number 19-10, RPS Grid Reference 19-010, NIAH Reference 14914001.
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its negative impact on the setting and character of a protected structure and the lack of scientific evidence to rule out significant effects on nearby European sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed extensions are located too close to a protected structure (Ref 19-010), resulting in a visually intrusive addition that adversely affects its historic character, setting, and spatial hierarchy.
- The applicant failed to provide an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report or Natura Impact Statement, leaving the Planning Authority unable to rule out significant negative impacts on the water quality of the Middle Shannon Callows SPA and Moyclare Bog SAC.
- The development materially contravenes specific objectives of the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027, specifically Policy BHP-02 regarding protected structures and Objective BLO-02 regarding the protection of European sites.