2460534
for existing earth mounds and internal hardcore access tracks on the site. Permission for: extension of existing earth mounds to create an electric bike track, along with improvements to the existing mounds, use of the site as an outdoor facility for exclusive use by off-road electric bikes, extension of the internal access tracks, provision of an ancillary small bike track with an ancillary jump area and pump track for use by mountain bikes, provision of a reception building, maintenance shed and car parking, provision of on-site foul treatment system and associated percolation area to serve the reception building, use of existing entrance off Nursery Road for access, all associated site works including landscaping and groundworks and new water supply connection. Use of the facility will be by prior booking only with 6 one-hour sessions in any one day and a limit of 20 persons per session (with no activity on Sundays or Mondays). It will not be used for the purpose of competitions. A Natura Impact Statement accompanies the application. This applies to the proposed element of the development only and not the retention element
Core Refusal Reason
The development would have a significant adverse impact on protected wildlife habitats (specifically the Eurasian Curlew), residential amenity due to noise and dust, and the sensitive landscape character of the Western Boglands.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal fails to demonstrate that the significant noise impacts and habitat loss associated with the motocross facility would not detrimentally affect the breeding grounds of the Eurasian Curlew, a protected species under the EU Birds Directive.
- The development would seriously injure the residential amenity of the area through noise, dust, and traffic generation, while setting an undesirable precedent for similar commercial developments on unserviced and unzoned rural lands.
- The project is poorly screened and would negatively impact the landscape character of the Western Boglands, while also posing a risk to groundwater quality and the Slate River due to inadequate site characterisation for wastewater treatment.