22447
the development will consist of an extension to and alterations within the existing school as follows: (1) Construction of a single storey extension to the Northwest of the existing school consisting of 7 classrooms, 2 S.E.T. Rooms, associated toilets and ancillary accommodation. The works include the installation of roof mounted PV Panels, (2) Alterations within the existing school to convert an existing classroom into a staff room and form an internal link to the proposed extension, (3) Small single storey extension to the Eastern side of existing school to allow a larger staff room, (4) Upgrade to existing treatment plant and replacement of existing percolation area with a new percolation area relocation to the Northeastern corner of the site, (5) Installation of a rainwater attenuation tank, (6) Alterations to existing traffic flow and parking within the site, to provide 1 way traffic system, bus set down areas and a total of 38 parking spaces. The new traffic system includes converting the existing vehicular entrance to the site into an 'Entrance only' and creating a new vehicular 'Exit Only' from the site onto the public road at the South West of the site, (7)The provision of an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging point, (8) The removal of No. 4 temporary building from the site at the completion of the project, (9) The relocation of a container from the existing school carpark to the Eastern Boundary, (10) All siteworks associated with the above. Significant further information/revised plans submitted on this application
Core Refusal Reason
The Planning Authority issued a Request for Further Information (RFI) primarily due to the absence of a Stage 1 Appropriate Assessment screening for adjacent Natura 2000 sites and technical deficiencies in the proposed traffic management, parking layout, and public lighting design.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant must submit a Stage 1 Appropriate Assessment Screening Statement to assess potential impacts on the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC and SPA, given the site's immediate proximity to these protected habitats.
- A revised site layout is required to address safety and capacity concerns, specifically to increase the vehicular set down area, widen parking circulation aisles to 6 metres, and improve pedestrian crossing alignment and drainage.
- A detailed public lighting design must be provided for the carpark and entrance areas to ensure compliance with Meath County Council's technical specifications and safety standards.