Core Refusal Reason
The proposed use as a place of worship or religious meeting space is not a permitted use, nor is it open for consideration, under the 'E2 General Enterprise and Employment' zoning objective of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed religious meeting space is fundamentally incompatible with the E2 zoning objective, which is strictly reserved for the creation and production of enterprise and employment through industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing uses.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation, including detailed floor plans and elevations, to clarify the primary use of the site and whether the warehousing component is genuinely ancillary to the religious activities.
- The proposal does not demonstrate compliance with development management standards regarding car parking requirements, employee numbers, and opening hours, leading to concerns over potential traffic congestion and impacts on the existing business park operations.
Cited Policies (CDP)
E2 General Enterprise and Employment ZoningED POL 2ED POL 7ED POL 8ED OBJ 37ED OBJ 38INF POL 18INF POL 19INF POL 20DM OBJ 61Section 11.9.1
Decision Document Summary
The application by Prince of Peace Parish Ltd sought a change of use for Unit 9, Ashbourne Manufacturing Park, from manufacturing to a warehouse/distribution facility with a first-floor religious meeting space. The site is located in a strategic industrial area zoned 'E2 General Enterprise and Employment'. The proposal was refused primarily because religious uses are not permitted under the E2 zoning, which aims to protect lands for industrial and employment-generating purposes. Furthermore, the...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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