Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its location within the riparian corridor of the River Griffeen with inadequate separation distance (5.5m vs the required 10m) and a lack of hydromorphological assessment, alongside a failure to adequately explore co-location opportunities with a nearby permitted mast.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal fails to protect the integrity of the River Griffeen's riparian corridor because the structure is only 5.5 meters from the river bank, violating the mandatory 10-meter buffer and lacking a required hydromorphological assessment.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence that co-location options with a nearby permitted 21-meter monopole at Esker Lane (Reg. Ref. SD22A/0384) were fully explored, contrary to national and local policy to discourage the proliferation of masts.
- While the Inspector disagreed with the Planning Authority's view on visual impact—finding the mast sufficiently screened and removed from the Protected Structure (Esker House)—the environmental and co-location failures necessitate a recommendation for refusal.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 12.3.7 (iv)NCBH19 Objective 1NCBH19 Objective 2GI3 Objective 2GI3 Objective 3Section 12.4.3Policy IE5IE5 Objective 1IE5 Objective 3IE5 Objective 4Objective OS
Decision Document Summary
Vantage Towers Limited appealed South Dublin County Council's decision to refuse permission for a 24m high lattice telecommunications support structure at Esker House, Lucan. The site is situated within the grounds of a Protected Structure and is zoned 'OS' (Open Space). The Planning Authority's initial refusal focused on the visual impact on the Protected Structure and the proximity to the Griffeen River. During the appeal, the Inspector found that while the mast would be visible, its 60m dista...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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