2560437
change of use of the site from agriculture to light industrial use, including the existing sheds, to provide for a seed processing facility and ancillary plant and storage areas. The proposed development will also include: the demolition of two existing buildings on site (c. 1,038 sq m GFA and c. 834 sq m GFA, respectively) and the construction of two interconnecting replacement buildings (with a combined GFA of c. 1,473 sq m and a maximum ridge height of c. 13m), to accommodate a seed drying plant, with external conveyors and seed dyers (c. 15.5m in height) located to the south-west. The development will also consist of: the provision of an additional weigh bridge located to the south of the site; alterations to the existing vehicular site entrance located at the south-east boundary, including the provision of new entrance gates and boundary treatment; provision of a new gate on the eastern site boundary; staff car parking; waste management areas; surface water drainage; hard and soft landscaping and all associated infrastructural and site development works above and below ground. (The proposed change of use relates to all buildings on site except for the existing dwelling to the north-east, including its associated curtilage and vehicular entrance)
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal constitutes an inappropriate large-scale industrial development in a rural area that fails to justify its location outside of zoned employment lands and creates a significant traffic hazard on the N81 national road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The scale of the industrial development is considered excessive for a rural location and incompatible with the surrounding rural character, contrary to Objective CPO 9.35.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate why the development could not be accommodated on appropriately zoned employment lands within the nearby settlement of Baltinglass, violating Objective CPO 9.3.
- The proposed intensification of access onto the N81 national road would compromise public safety by creating a traffic hazard and obstructing the free flow of traffic, in breach of Objective CPO 12.40.