Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 21m monopole would seriously injure the visual amenity of a prominent gateway location to Athy and lacks sufficient technical justification regarding the assessment of alternative, less visually sensitive sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would be visually dominant at a prominent gateway to the town of Athy, failing to integrate with the landscape and seriously injuring the visual amenity of the area.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for free-standing masts of a similar scale and nature at sensitive entrance points to the town.
- The planning authority is not satisfied that the applicant's assessment of alternative locations or the stated coverage benefits sufficiently justify the subject site as the optimum location.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029Chapter 4 Section 4.3.2Chapter 5 Section 5.13.6Chapter 7 Section 7.15EC P20EC O75EC O77EC O78EC O79EC O80EC O81EC O82EC O83EC O84EC O85EC O86EC O87Chapter 15 Section 15.11.4Athy Local Area Plan 2021-2027 Policy I4Athy Local Area Plan 2021-2027 Policy IO4.2
Decision Document Summary
On Tower Ireland Limited proposed the installation of a 21m monopole telecommunications tower with associated equipment and fencing at Gallowshill, Athy, Co. Kildare. The site is a 0.04ha plot located in a prominent position adjacent to two main approach roads (R418 and N78) that serve as a gateway to Athy. Kildare County Council refused permission primarily because the structure's height and design would create an intrusive visual impact at this key entrance to the town. Furthermore, the counci...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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