2560619

change of use from an agricultural shed to a large animals veterinary surgery which will include renovations to the existing shed and to construct a new extension onto both the Eastern side and the Southern side of the shed including new signage and a new treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposal constitutes unsustainable ad hoc development on unzoned rural land and poses a significant traffic hazard due to the intensification of an entrance onto a strategic regional road.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The development is located on unzoned and unserviced lands in the open countryside, representing a clear departure from the spatial strategy and settlement hierarchy which prioritizes growth within designated urban centers.
  • The applicant failed to provide a robust site selection assessment or demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify why the facility could not be accommodated on suitably zoned lands within Athlone or Moate.
  • The intensification of use and increased traffic generation onto the R446 strategic regional road would endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard and interfere with the carrying capacity of the road network.

Cited Policies (CDP)

CPO 5.3CPO 5.5CPO 5.6CPO 5.7CPO 5.8CPO 5.12CPO 5.21CPO 5.22CPO 5.23CPO 5.24CPO 5.29CPO 9.17CPO 10.52CPO 10.54CPO 10.60CPO 10.62CPO 16.49

Decision Document Summary

Thomas Flanagan sought permission for the change of use and extension of an agricultural shed to a large animal veterinary surgery at Killogeenaghan, Athlone. The site is situated on unzoned lands in the open countryside along the R446 strategic regional road. Westmeath County Council refused the application, determining that the proposal constitutes unsustainable ad hoc development that undermines settlement consolidation objectives. Additionally, the planning authority concluded that the resul...
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