2560954

the development will consist of the construction of 3 no. enclosed padel courts ( within a structure c. 10m in height), 2 no. external padel courts (within a fence c. 4m in height), an office (c. 2.6m in height), 2 no. changing room structures (c. 2.6m in height), a play area, 10 no. car parking spaces (8 no. standard and 2 no. accessible parking spaces), landscaping, access arrangements, services, wastewater treatment system, and associated and ancillary development. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The application failed to provide a robust planning justification for a rural enterprise in an 'RA' zone, coupled with significant unresolved concerns regarding traffic safety, sightlines, and wastewater treatment discrepancies.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposal lacks a robust planning justification demonstrating that the enterprise can be more readily accommodated in a rural setting than in a designated settlement centre, contravening Policies ED POL 16 and 19 of the Meath County Development Plan.
  • The proposed access arrangements are deemed unsafe due to inadequate sightlines (160m) and potential traffic hazards arising from the shared use of the entrance by heavy agricultural machinery and facility patrons.
  • Significant technical discrepancies exist in the site characterisation report regarding wastewater treatment capacity, alongside a lack of detail on light pollution mitigation and surface water drainage systems.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Section 4.11.1Policy ED POL 16Policy ED POL 19Section 14Section 11.14.3Section 11.14.4Section 11.9.1

Decision Document Summary

The applicant seeks permission for a padel court facility comprising five courts (three enclosed, two external), an office, and changing rooms on a 0.757ha site in Donaghmore, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. The site is located in a 'Rural Area' under strong urban influence. The Planning Authority determined that the application could not be granted in its current form, citing a lack of justification for the rural location over a town centre, serious traffic safety concerns regarding sightlines and dual-p...
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