2434

Permission for development which consists of; (a)construction of a new 3,640 sqm single storey special school, (b)construction of a new 39 sqm single storey ancillary storage shed, (c)all associated site development works including works to existing Woodlands campus entrance, revised access road. Staff and visitor car parking, bus drop off areas, new perimeter boundary walls and fences, removal of selected trees and new ancillary site signage, (d) all associated site services including surface and foul water drainage, rainwater harvesting system, underground rainwater tanks and site lighting

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

Substantial works had not been carried out on the site prior to the expiration of the original planning permission, as required under Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • A site inspection conducted on 18th June 2024 confirmed that no substantial works had commenced on-site, with only site clearance, protective fencing, and safety signage present.
  • Under Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning Authority is legally obliged to refuse an extension of duration if substantial works have not been carried out.
  • There were no elements of the physical fabric of the permitted building, such as foundations or walls, erected on-site to satisfy the legal requirement for 'substantial works' prior to the permission's expiry.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Policy 5.2 Protected Spaces: Sites of European, National and Local Biodiversity Importance (CDP 2023-2029)Policy 4.2 Protected Spaces: Sites of European, National and Local Ecological Importance (CDP 2017-2023)

Decision Document Summary

The applicant sought an extension of duration for a previously granted permission (Ref. 18/398) for a 3,640 sqm special school and ancillary structures at the Woodlands Centre, Renmore, Galway. While the applicant claimed works commenced in April 2024, a local authority inspection following the expiry of the original permission found only site clearance and fencing. The Planning Authority determined that these activities did not constitute 'substantial works' as required by Section 42 of the Pla...
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