Core Refusal Reason
Traffic safety concerns regarding the proposed entrance onto the R390, specifically the failure to meet minimum sightline requirements and the risk posed by the intensification of use by heavy goods vehicles.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed access onto the R390 regional road poses a high risk to traffic safety due to the intensification of use by large vehicles associated with forestry operations.
- The application fails to demonstrate compliance with the minimum sightline requirements (2.4m x 150m or 3m x 160m) set out in the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and technical standards for forest entrances.
- Insufficient information was provided regarding the haulage route, road construction specifications, and drainage details to allow for a full assessment of the development's impact on the public road network.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 10.52CPO 10.60CPO 9.51CPO 9.52CPO 9.53CPO 9.54
Decision Document Summary
Michael Murray sought permission for a new forestry road and vehicular entrance onto the R390 at Killininneen, Walderstown, Co. Westmeath, to serve a 34ha forestry site. The proposal aimed to replace an existing access with restricted sightlines to improve safety for HGV haulers. However, the Planning Authority determined that the new entrance also failed to meet mandatory sightline standards and posed a significant traffic hazard on a strategic regional road. Consequently, the authority request...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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