Appeal lodged after planning permission given for extension to cottage near Strandhill

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A decision by Sligo County Council to grant permission for the construction of an extension to the rear and side of an existing cottage at Cartronabree, Kilmacowen, Strandhill has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Among the grievances expressed by Lorraine and Ronan Hennessy in their third party appeal to the planning granted to Paul O’Sullivan and which was lodged by Jennings O’Donovan and Partners Ltd is that the proposed extension would increase the size of the existing cottage four-fold.

The detailed submission also stated, “The site of the proposed development is on unzoned land and located outside of the settlement boundary of any town or village in the vicinity, within a rural area under strong urban influence where the applicant has not demonstrated a social and/or economic local need to reside in the area and where the applicant has clearly stated that the proposal is for a holiday home.”

Site access was also raised as grounds for the application to be reject with the submission noting, “The Access to the site is substandard, it is extremely proximate to two other residential vehicular accesses and would result in intensification of traffic turning movements at this location, would constitute a serious traffic safety issue, would endanger the safety of the adjoining dwelling users and public safety and would as a result interfere with the safety and free flow of traffic on the public road.”

Objections were also raised on the grounds of archaeological concerns and the potential impact on local flora and fauna with the submission noting, “A review of archaeological records identified fifteen recorded sites within 500m of the proposed development site, including multiple ringforts and souterrains, reflecting the area’s rich early medieval landscape.

Significant ground works and clearing have been carried out to date on site, which have not been accounted for and which could have impacted on archaeology of significance.

“A geophysical survey has not been conducted to ascertain if there is any sub surface archaeology. There have been no drawings submitted to show any existing septic tanks or treatment systems on the site, or on adjoining sites in the vicinity.

"There does not appear to be any proposal to show that licensed contractors have been employed for the removal of hazardous waste and no risk assessment or method statement has been submitted.

"Significant ground works and clearance of the site have been undertaken and have not been taken into account in the Bat Survey or the Natura Impact Statement. Furthermore, the proposed development gives rise to backland development.”

An Coimisiún Pleanála have indicated a decision will be made regarding the appeal by July 23.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.