Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to traffic safety concerns regarding the intensification of access onto a protected regional road, potential adverse impacts on European protected sites and wetlands, and visual intrusion into an Area of High Scenic Quality.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in the intensification of a vehicular access onto the R173 Protected Regional Route at a location with a 100km/h speed limit, creating a serious traffic hazard and interfering with the free flow of traffic.
- The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the proposal would not have a significant adverse effect on the Dundalk Bay Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation, particularly given the lack of an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report or Natura Impact Statement.
- The siting and design of the large-scale horticultural buildings and hardstanding would constitute an intrusive encroachment into an Area of High Scenic Quality, failing to protect the visual amenities and rural character of the landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
MOV 56NBG 3NBG 5NBG 13NBG 19NBG 20NBG 37EE 55EE 66IU 19IU 20Table 7.10Table 13.13
Decision Document Summary
O'Neills Flowers Ltd sought permission for a large-scale horticultural development at Ballymascanlon, Dundalk, comprising farm buildings, a shop, polytunnels, and associated infrastructure. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 1, an Area of High Scenic Quality, and is situated within or immediately adjacent to the Dundalk Bay SAC and SPA. The application was refused because the proposed access onto the R173 protected regional road was deemed a traffic hazard, the applicant failed to demo...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.