Planning decided: A 25 Year Planning Permission for the Restoration of the former sand pit (known locally as…

A 25 Year Planning Permission for the Restoration of the former sand pit (known locally as Dineens and previously permitted under Planning Reference 05/2452 and An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) reference 04.214198) and associated works at Garryhesta Pit (previously permitted through planning reference QR19 06/11798 and ACP reference PL04.225332). The extent of the proposed development covers an area of 54.28 hectares ('ha') (centre point ITM X 552004 Y 596036) within Roadstone's landholding, which is located in the Townlands of Knockanemore and Garryhesty, Ovens, Co. Cork. The proposed development will include for the restoration of Dineens Pit void through the importation of ca. 4,147,108m3 of clean, uncontaminated soil and stone (i.e. essentially virgin soil or equivalent to virgin soil and stone) notified/registered as by-product in accordance with the definition of a by-product as set out in regulation 27 of European Union (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011 (as amended). The void will be restored to pre-extraction levels and seamlessly connect to the adjoining agricultural lands within the immediate vicinity of the site. The restored land will also include native woodland planting, surface water bodies and a series of hedgerows which will support local biodiversity. The proposed development seeks the movement of established infrastructure (permitted under Planning Reference 18/05155) including a wheel wash, weighbridge, site office/welfare to the west to realign the haulage route for Heavy Goods Vehicles ('HGVs') accessing/egressing the entrance at Garryhesta Pit and the provision of two inspection sheds, refuelling area and small car park. The proposed development will seek to install an improved drainage infrastructure which includes a wetland for treating surface water interceptors and monitoring chamber. The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) which will be available for inspection.