2357
permission to carry out the following works on a previously approved site ref. P14/346 & P19/9017 namely: -Demolish remaining mushroom tunnels (3 no.) -Modify site boundaries -Extend existing as constructed poultry unit to facilitate increased capacity -Construct 1 no. poultry house (in lieu of the second poultry unit not yet constructed but approved under P19/9017) -Construct new larger ancillary general purpose store -Increase existing hardened area & relocate LPG tank -Block up existing agricultural entrance and use single existing approved entrance together with all ancillary site works within existing farmyard complex. This application relates to a development, which is for the purposes of an activity requiring a Licence under part IV of the Environmental Protection Agency (Licensing) Regulations 1994 to 2013. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement will be submitted with this planning application.
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development's potential to increase ammonia emissions and nitrogen deposition would adversely affect the integrity of the Slieve Beagh SPA, which is already exceeding its critical environmental thresholds.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is located within 0.5km of the Slieve Beagh SPA, where existing ammonia levels and nitrogen loads already exceed critical thresholds, making further intensification unsustainable.
- The Environment Section identified a critical requirement for Further Information (FI) regarding site drainage that was necessary to ensure the protection of the water environment and compliance with environmental policies.
- The proposed increase in bird capacity from 64,000 to 100,000 necessitates a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, and the current submission fails to conclusively demonstrate that cumulative atmospheric emissions will not negatively impact protected habitats.