2460960

The construction of a nature education centre and all ancillary site development works. The proposed development will consist of: (i) The proposed development includes: (i) The demolition of existing shed structures; (ii) The change of use and conversion of former stable building to a nature education centre to include classrooms, science labs and supporting uses, including office, cloak room, sanitary facilities. The proposed development also provides for stores and plant rooms, pavilion structure, bat house, and glass house; (iii) Integrated constructed wetland, surface water, wastewater and water infrastructure, including decommissioning / removal of 2 no. existing septic tanks and provision for 1 no. replacement septic tank; (iv) All ancillary site development works which include bin and bike stores, car parking, lighting, signage, and landscaping works; (v) The proposed development will be accessed from existing site entrance onto the N71 with no modification to entrances proposed. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The development was refused due to its negative impact on a recorded archaeological monument, the absence of a comprehensive historic landscape assessment, and insufficient information regarding traffic safety and site access.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed development would negatively impact the remains of Recorded Monument Ke074 029 (Torc Cottage), failing to secure preservation in situ as required by the County Development Plan.
  • The applicant failed to provide a revised Historic Landscape Impact Assessment informed by a full archaeological assessment, meaning the proposal does not adequately respect the built and green space heritage of the historic designed landscape.
  • Insufficient information was provided regarding car parking, construction access, and operational service requirements, leading to concerns that the development would create a traffic hazard on the N71 national road.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective KCDP 8-24Objective KCDP 8-50Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028

Decision Document Summary

The National Parks and Wildlife Service proposed the construction of a nature education centre at Killarney National Park, involving the conversion of a former stable building and the addition of ancillary structures like a bat house and integrated wetland. The site, located at Torc, Muckross, contains recorded archaeological monuments. Kerry County Council refused permission because the development would disturb the subsurface remains of 'Torc Cottage' (Ke074 029) and lacked a sufficiently deta...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.