Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to insufficient scientific evidence regarding impacts on protected bird species, excessive tree loss within a sensitive historic demesne, and inadequate drainage and riparian protection strategies.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient scientific data, specifically regarding wintering bird surveys and ex-situ foraging, to demonstrate that the development would not have a significant adverse effect on nearby Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
- The scale of the development and the resulting substantial loss of trees and hedgerows would negatively impact the character, setting, and principal components of the historic Howth Castle demesne and the Howth SAAO buffer zone.
- The proposed layout and technical strategies were deficient, failing to provide adequate riparian corridors, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and necessary road safety improvements including cycle infrastructure reservations.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective DMS171Objective DMSO125Policy HCAP19Objective DMSO210Howth SAAO Design Guidelines
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed a large-scale cemetery development consisting of 5,806 burial plots and associated infrastructure at the Deer Park Hotel and Golf grounds within the historic Howth Estate, Co. Dublin. The Planning Authority refused permission because the applicant did not adequately address environmental concerns regarding protected bird species and water quality, nor did they justify the significant loss of trees within a sensitive historic landscape. Additionally, the proposal failed t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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