Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is unsuitable due to the site's high water table and poor drainage, which pose a risk to public health and the water quality of the Turvey River, potentially compromising the integrity of the Malahide Estuary SAC and SPA.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site's high water table (recorded at 0.55m) and poor drainage make it fundamentally unsuitable for the proposed on-site wastewater treatment system, creating a significant risk of leaching and environmental pollution.
- The Inspector determined that a likely significant effect on European sites, specifically the Malahide Estuary SAC and SPA, could not be ruled out due to potential water quality deterioration from untreated wastewater.
- While the proposed use is acceptable in principle under the General Employment zoning, the physical and environmental constraints of the flood plain and high water table remain unresolved from previous planning refusals.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective GE (General Employment)Objective RC (Rural Cluster)Section 13.2 (Transitional Zonal Areas)Objective ZO2Objective DMSO134 (Specimen Removal/Retention)Objective DMSO138 (Biodiversity)Objective DMSO156 (Development Along Watercourses)Objective DMSO210 (Riparian Corridors)Objective DMSO200 (Wastewater Treatment Systems)Local Objective 23 (Flood Risk)Objective DMSO212 (OPW Flood Risk Guidelines)
Decision Document Summary
Scafftex Limited proposed the development of a scaffolding storage and distribution yard on a 0.82ha site at the junction of the R132 and Old Turvey Avenue, Donabate. The proposal included surfacing parts of the site, installing storage racks, office containers, and a wastewater treatment plant, alongside junction realignment works. The site is zoned 'GE - General Employment' but is highly sensitive due to its location on a flood plain bounded by the Turvey River and its proximity to residential...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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