Core Refusal Reason
The development materially contravenes the 'MRE' (Metro and Rail Economic Corridor) zoning objective of the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029, which prohibits cargo yards and road transport depots, while also creating significant traffic hazards and a visually jarring impact on the surrounding area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The retention of the container storage depot materially contravenes the 'MRE' zoning objective, as 'Cargo Yards' and 'Road Transport Depots' are explicitly listed as 'not permitted' development types within this corridor.
- The volume of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements generated by the site exceeds the capacity of the local road network, particularly Old Ballymun Road and its junction with Northwood Avenue, creating a safety hazard and traffic congestion.
- The development represents a haphazard and unsustainable land-use pattern that is visually dominant and jarring, especially along its frontage with the M50 motorway, failing to meet high-quality urban design standards.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023: Zoning 'ME'Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023: Objective DMS103Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: Zoning 'MRE'Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: CSO14Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: CMP28Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: CMO36Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: CMP35Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: EEP9Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: EEO15Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: EEO16Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: ZO3Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: DMSO89Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: DMSO113Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: DMSO114Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: DMSO116Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029: DMSO119Section 2.5 - Employment LandsSection 2.7.2 - Role of Each SettlementSection 6.5.9.2 - Dublin PortSection 6.5.10 - Roads NetworkSection 6.5.11 - Freight, Delivery and ServicingSection 7.5.1 - Employment and Economic DevelopmentSection 13.3 - Non-Conforming UsesSection 14.15.1 - Business Parks and Industrial AreasSection 14.17.4 - Traffic and Transport AssessmentSection 14.17.5 - Road Network and AccessSection 14.17.7 - Car Parking
Decision Document Summary
Stateline Transport Ltd. applied for the retention of a shipping container storage depot on a 2.7-hectare site at Compass Distribution Park, Santry. The development includes high-density container stacks (up to 7 high), a security hut, and 20-meter lighting columns. The Planning Authority refused permission on multiple grounds, primarily zoning contravention and traffic safety. The Inspector's report confirms that under the current Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029, the site is zoned 'MRE' (Metr...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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