Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority determined that the proposed development was intended for unauthorized commercial use rather than the stated agricultural purpose, citing a lack of demonstrated agricultural need and a building design inconsistent with fodder storage.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide a robust justification or evidence of agricultural need, such as herd numbers or livestock housing arrangements, to support the requirement for a fodder storage shed.
- The design of the proposed structure, featuring a roller shutter door and lacking essential ventilation for fodder storage, is more characteristic of a commercial building than an agricultural one.
- Given the site's planning history involving previous applications for a tyre business and the presence of commercial-style security infrastructure, the proposal is considered an attempt to facilitate inappropriate commercial activity in a rural area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 10 Rural Development10.2 VisionSection 10.4 Rural EconomyRUR ECON POL 2Section 10.5 AgricultureAGR POL 1AGR OBJ 1Section 13.18.1 Agriculture Buildings and Structures
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a 154sqm dry agricultural fodder storage shed at Dromore, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, on a site with a history of commercial planning applications. Although presented as an agricultural development, the Planning Authority found the design—specifically the lack of ventilation and the inclusion of a commercial roller door—to be unsuitable for fodder storage. Combined with the absence of evidence of a farm holding and the presence of high-security site access...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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