Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to provide a clear agricultural justification for the proposed structure and did not demonstrate that the development could be accessed safely with adequate sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant has not provided a clear justification or evidence base to demonstrate a genuine agricultural requirement for a machinery/hay store of this scale, particularly as no agricultural activity was apparent on the lands during site inspection.
- The proposal fails to comply with DM OBJ 62 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, as it lacks a comprehensive business plan supported by Teagasc and details of landholdings or herd numbers.
- The proposed access arrangements are deficient, failing to provide the required 70-metre sightlines in both directions and an adequate entrance gate setback to accommodate large vehicles safely.
Cited Policies (CDP)
DM OBJ 62INF POL 18INF POL 20RA Rural Area zoning objective
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a 440.67 sq.m agricultural machinery and hay store at Tankardstown, Ardbraccan, Navan, on a site already covered in hardcore. Although the use is permitted in principle under the 'RA' rural zoning, the Planning Authority raised significant concerns regarding the lack of evidence of any farming enterprise on the site, noting the presence of vintage tractors and HGV trailers instead. The application was refused (via a request for Further Information that identifi...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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