Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath, Meath
Platin, Duleek, Co. Meath
What was proposed
The development consists of the retention: 1. Revised site boundary from approved planning ref 24/60126; 2. Extension of agricultural yard area beyond approved planning ref 24/60126; 3. As constructed mesh fencing. to include all associated site works
Refusal reasons
- It is considered that the development by virtue of its dual agricultural and commercial usage on site that is located in an area zoned RA ‘Rural Area’ in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, would materially contravene the zoning objective for RA to ‘protect and promote in a balanced way, the development of agriculture, forestry and sustainable rural-related enterprise, community facilities, biodiversity, the rural landscape, and the built and cultural heritage.’ Commercial use is not listed as a permitted or an open for consideration under the RA Zoning Objective. The proposed development would therefore materially contravene a zoning objective outlined in the Meath County Development Plan 2021- 2027, would set an undesirable precedent for other similar type future developments, and would not be in the interest of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
- The subject site is located within the Central Lowlands Landscape Character Area as identified in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, which is categorised as having a High Landscape Value and Moderate Landscape Sensitivity. It is an objective of the Planning Authority under Policy HER POL 52 “To protect and enhance the quality, character, and distinctiveness of the landscapes of the County in accordance with national policy and guidelines and the recommendations of the Meath Landscape Character Assessment (2007) in Appendix 5, to ensure that new development meets high standards of siting and design.” The existing commercial activity on site, which comprises the storage of haulage vehicles would introduce visually intrusive commercial activity into a rural landscape setting. Having regard to the scale, nature and visibility of the development, it is considered that the development would adversely affect the rural character and visual amenities of the area and would detract from the landscape character of the Central Lowlands Landscape Character Area. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to Policy HER POL 52 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, would devalue property in the vicinity of the site and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
- The Planning Authority is not satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated that the local road network can safely accommodate the traffic generated by the existing dual usage on site. The Traffic Impact Assessment submitted fails to account for traffic associated with the existing commercial activities on the site and does not assess the cumulative impact of the combined agricultural and commercial uses. As the volume and nature of vehicular movements to and from the site is unknown, the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the existing and proposed development would not prejudice the safety and convenience of road users or adversely affect the carrying capacity of the local road network. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.