2460202
The development will consist of the following: The removal of woodland, vegetation and overlying soils & subsoils; the extraction of sand and gravel on a phased basis from an area of c. 8.65 ha to a final floor level at 95 mOD; the infilling of the lands using inert waste on a phased basis following the extraction of sand and gravel; the restoration of the lands back to original ground level and the establishment of native woodland planting; all related ancillary development and associated site works including processing (crushing, screening and washing) and stockpiling of materials; installation of infrastructure for the management of water on site; provision of landscaped screening berms and all other related activities. Provision of a site office, toilet (portaloo), canteen, weighbridge, wheelwash and site entrance; The proposed development is within an overall application area of c. 13.2 hectares and is for a total period of 34 years (the sand and gravel extraction operational period is for 20 years and the importation of materials for restoration is for a further 14 years). An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) has been prepared in respect of this planning application. Part of the proposed restoration element of the development will require a waste licence from the Environmental Protection Agency. Revised by significant further information which relates to the proposed operational lifetime of the development. Initially, the project was proposed to have an operational period of 34 years. Following feedback from the Planning Authority, this has been revised to a shorter operational period of 25 years.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 34-year duration is considered excessive, and the application fails to demonstrate that the local road network and environmental safeguards are adequate to mitigate long-term impacts on residential amenity and infrastructure.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 34-year operational lifespan is deemed excessive and lacks sufficient justification relative to its long-term impact on the local environment and residential amenity.
- The proposed haulage routes are unsuitable for the projected volume of HGV traffic, posing significant risks to the structural integrity of local infrastructure, including protected canal and railway bridges.
- The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) contains critical omissions, specifically regarding radon gas risks to human health and the lack of detail concerning alternative lands for mandatory tree replanting.