PROPOSALS FOR what was billed as one of the world’s largest data centres to be located at Kilpedder, Co Wicklow, have been rejected by An Bord Pleanála.
In an unusual move, the board rejected as too late an attempt by the last of four objectors to withdraw the appeal.
It is not known if the promoters of the 82-acre “digital services campus” which was to have been a centre for the latest cloud-computing technology will launch a new planning application.
In its decision, the board said the site was “a greenfield, unserviced rural area”, between Kilpedder and Newtownmountkennedy, and “not in an area identified for urban growth in the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area, 2010-2022”.
It said the site had “an attractive landscape character” being part of the demesne lands of Mount Kennedy House, a protected structure; and that the site was prominent in views from the N11 road.
The board also said the proposed campus was poorly served by public transport and would lead to a reliance on private cars.
It said it was “not satisfied” that the site requirements for a data centre, including high-quality connections to power and communications networks, “cannot be provided on more appropriately located serviced lands in other parts of the greater Dublin area, including Co Wicklow, where a data centre would be more sustainable in terms of environmental impacts and accessibility”.
It cited issues relating to waste water and a nearby private supply, and drainage to sensitive habitats along the coast.
After the proposal was approved by Wicklow County Council, it was referred to the board by four objectors. Three of these, including one from the National Roads Authority, were successfully withdrawn.
However, the board ruled the withdrawal of the fourth appeal from Claus, Iris and Marc Michel based at a nearby organic farm, could not be withdrawn as the withdrawal notification arrived one day after the board had made its decision in the case.
Attempts to get a comment from promoter Brian McDonagh of Ecologic Datacentres were not successful yesterday.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label county wicklow planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label county wicklow planning. Show all posts
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Councillors sharply critical of Minister
WICKLOW COUNTY councillors have criticised Minister of State for Planning Ciarán Cuffe (Green Party) over a letter he sent to the council warning the local authority that elements of its county development plan may need to be amended.
At a meeting of Wicklow County Council yesterday, councillors agreed on a draft response to the Minister over his correspondence, which made reference to a number of zonings along the N11 route. In particular, it made reference to the granting of planning permission for a six-building data centre on a site adjacent to Mount Kennedy House, near Newtownmountkennedy.
Mr Cuffe is concerned that the location of the proposed data centre could “significantly undermine” the role of “higher order” employment centres in the county. The letter also reminds councillors that “local authorities have a duty when making/amending plans to ensure that the future development of their areas is based on sound planning principles”.
Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Vance supported the draft response circulated to members, which, he said, gave a “simple explanation” to the Minister for each of the county’s zoning decisions.
“Minister Cuffe couldn’t actually stand over his own development plan in his constituency in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, where they built the Carrickmines shopping centre out in the middle of nowhere, where there was no public transport or anything . . . and we in Wicklow have no major shopping centres or industrial development along the N11,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Derek Mitchell also supported the response to the Department of the Environment and told the council he believed the Minister “is trying to prevent jobs coming to Wicklow”. The county was “one of the best” regions in Ireland as regards sound planning, he added.
At yesterday’s meeting, councillors were also given a presentation by Brian McDonagh, a backer of the data centre project, which was granted permission by the council but has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the National Roads Authority (NRA).
Mr McDonagh told members that more than 2,000 jobs would be created in the construction of the centre, which would provide data storage for some of the world’s biggest IT companies, and thousands more jobs would be provided for the county in spin-off businesses.
The project, which is to be the largest of its kind in the world, would “not be carbon neutral, but will be carbon negative”, and would firmly establish Ireland’s green economy credentials, he said. It would also provide local businesses and homes with energy.
However, Mr McDonagh warned that if planning objections were not resolved “within the next three months”, the project would be lost.
In its appeal, to which Mr Cuffe refers in his correspondence with the council, the NRA has told An Bord Pleanála that the plan would be “at variance with official policy” and is “contrary” to Wicklow’s development plan. The NRA also says traffic assessment studies submitted as part of the plans are “inadequate”.
However, Mr McDonagh said yesterday that any traffic impact would be minimal.
Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Casey expressed “anger” at the NRA. He also said he was “disappointed” with his party’s Ministers who, he said, were “running away” from organisations created by them.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
At a meeting of Wicklow County Council yesterday, councillors agreed on a draft response to the Minister over his correspondence, which made reference to a number of zonings along the N11 route. In particular, it made reference to the granting of planning permission for a six-building data centre on a site adjacent to Mount Kennedy House, near Newtownmountkennedy.
Mr Cuffe is concerned that the location of the proposed data centre could “significantly undermine” the role of “higher order” employment centres in the county. The letter also reminds councillors that “local authorities have a duty when making/amending plans to ensure that the future development of their areas is based on sound planning principles”.
Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Vance supported the draft response circulated to members, which, he said, gave a “simple explanation” to the Minister for each of the county’s zoning decisions.
“Minister Cuffe couldn’t actually stand over his own development plan in his constituency in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, where they built the Carrickmines shopping centre out in the middle of nowhere, where there was no public transport or anything . . . and we in Wicklow have no major shopping centres or industrial development along the N11,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Derek Mitchell also supported the response to the Department of the Environment and told the council he believed the Minister “is trying to prevent jobs coming to Wicklow”. The county was “one of the best” regions in Ireland as regards sound planning, he added.
At yesterday’s meeting, councillors were also given a presentation by Brian McDonagh, a backer of the data centre project, which was granted permission by the council but has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the National Roads Authority (NRA).
Mr McDonagh told members that more than 2,000 jobs would be created in the construction of the centre, which would provide data storage for some of the world’s biggest IT companies, and thousands more jobs would be provided for the county in spin-off businesses.
The project, which is to be the largest of its kind in the world, would “not be carbon neutral, but will be carbon negative”, and would firmly establish Ireland’s green economy credentials, he said. It would also provide local businesses and homes with energy.
However, Mr McDonagh warned that if planning objections were not resolved “within the next three months”, the project would be lost.
In its appeal, to which Mr Cuffe refers in his correspondence with the council, the NRA has told An Bord Pleanála that the plan would be “at variance with official policy” and is “contrary” to Wicklow’s development plan. The NRA also says traffic assessment studies submitted as part of the plans are “inadequate”.
However, Mr McDonagh said yesterday that any traffic impact would be minimal.
Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Casey expressed “anger” at the NRA. He also said he was “disappointed” with his party’s Ministers who, he said, were “running away” from organisations created by them.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Sixty-eight houses refused permission
A PLANNING application for 68 houses in Rathdrum has been turned down because the developer involved didn't complete two housing estates to the satisfaction of the county council.
It's the first time in Wicklow that an application has been refused because an individual or company failed in the past to comply with a permission that had been granted.
The director of Holross Holdings Ltd., Phillip Shannon, is also the director of Pronto Developments Ltd. and Benrele Limited.
Those two companies failed to comply with previous planning permissions granted for Yachtsman's Point and Pebble Bay.
Yachtsman's Point was left with fences used as boundaries instead of walls, missing footpaths and kerbs and a public open space which was never levelled.
In Pebble Bay, footpaths are cracked, there are water leaks and manholes have subsided.
SEE PAGE 9 PLANNING permission for 68 houses in Rathdrum has been rejected because the developer behind the project never properly finished off two housing estates in Wicklow town.
Holross Holdings Ltd. and Director Phillip Shannon are the first case in County Wicklow to fall foul of amendments to sections 34 and 35 of the Planning and Development Act, which permits planning authorities to refuse planning permission to an individual or company that has failed in the past to comply with a permission that was granted.
The new bill was introduced to take on rouge builders and land speculators who left housing developments unfinished. This could also be the first time a development anywhere in Ireland has been turned down for such a reason.
Wicklow County Council's housing department refused the application for the development at Ballygannon because the Directors of Holross Holdings Limited are the same directors of Pronto Developments Limited. Philip Shannon is a Director of Pronto Developments Ltd. and also a Director of Benrele Limited. Benrele Limited and Pronto Developments have both not complied with previous grants of planning permission at Yachtsman's Point and Pebble Bay.
Cllr. Pat Casey believes the council's stance will send out a message to other developers.
'The amendment puts the onus back on the developer and gives the council the power not to grant permission to developers who haven't finished estates in the past,' he said.
Yachtsman's Point was left with fences used as boundaries instead of walls, missing footpaths and kerbs and a public open space which was never levelled, drained or grassed and is considered to be in an unsafe condition.
In Pebble Bay footpaths have cracked or subsided at numerous locations presenting a trip-hazard, there are water leaks within six locations within the development, no CCTV survey of surface water and foul sewers was submitted, manholes have subsided and the open spaces have not been dedicated to the use of residents as required by the planning granted.
Myles BUCHANAN
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
It's the first time in Wicklow that an application has been refused because an individual or company failed in the past to comply with a permission that had been granted.
The director of Holross Holdings Ltd., Phillip Shannon, is also the director of Pronto Developments Ltd. and Benrele Limited.
Those two companies failed to comply with previous planning permissions granted for Yachtsman's Point and Pebble Bay.
Yachtsman's Point was left with fences used as boundaries instead of walls, missing footpaths and kerbs and a public open space which was never levelled.
In Pebble Bay, footpaths are cracked, there are water leaks and manholes have subsided.
SEE PAGE 9 PLANNING permission for 68 houses in Rathdrum has been rejected because the developer behind the project never properly finished off two housing estates in Wicklow town.
Holross Holdings Ltd. and Director Phillip Shannon are the first case in County Wicklow to fall foul of amendments to sections 34 and 35 of the Planning and Development Act, which permits planning authorities to refuse planning permission to an individual or company that has failed in the past to comply with a permission that was granted.
The new bill was introduced to take on rouge builders and land speculators who left housing developments unfinished. This could also be the first time a development anywhere in Ireland has been turned down for such a reason.
Wicklow County Council's housing department refused the application for the development at Ballygannon because the Directors of Holross Holdings Limited are the same directors of Pronto Developments Limited. Philip Shannon is a Director of Pronto Developments Ltd. and also a Director of Benrele Limited. Benrele Limited and Pronto Developments have both not complied with previous grants of planning permission at Yachtsman's Point and Pebble Bay.
Cllr. Pat Casey believes the council's stance will send out a message to other developers.
'The amendment puts the onus back on the developer and gives the council the power not to grant permission to developers who haven't finished estates in the past,' he said.
Yachtsman's Point was left with fences used as boundaries instead of walls, missing footpaths and kerbs and a public open space which was never levelled, drained or grassed and is considered to be in an unsafe condition.
In Pebble Bay footpaths have cracked or subsided at numerous locations presenting a trip-hazard, there are water leaks within six locations within the development, no CCTV survey of surface water and foul sewers was submitted, manholes have subsided and the open spaces have not been dedicated to the use of residents as required by the planning granted.
Myles BUCHANAN
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 18 January 2010
Council call for help to deal with planning application
WICKLOW County Council has requested the assistance of An Bord Pleanála in dealing with a planning application from Multimetals Recycling Limited for a facility on the Murrough.
Under Section 5 of the Planning Act, Wicklow County Council has referred the case to An Bord Pleanála to decide whether the provision of a metal recycling facility and construction of a 1.8m high wall is or is not development and is or is not exempt development. Section 5 involves a referral of a declaration by a planning authority of a question as to what is or is not development or exempted development.
The case is to be decided by April 29. A number of objections to the planning application have already been lodged with Wicklow County Council, including objections from Friends of the Murrough and others.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Under Section 5 of the Planning Act, Wicklow County Council has referred the case to An Bord Pleanála to decide whether the provision of a metal recycling facility and construction of a 1.8m high wall is or is not development and is or is not exempt development. Section 5 involves a referral of a declaration by a planning authority of a question as to what is or is not development or exempted development.
The case is to be decided by April 29. A number of objections to the planning application have already been lodged with Wicklow County Council, including objections from Friends of the Murrough and others.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Planning permission denied on site of 17th-century massacre
An Bord Pleanála has ruled against plans by Cumclone Construction in Wicklow to build houses on land where, locals say, human remains are routinely found.
A 17th-century squabble that involved historians, a developer and hundreds of murdered peasants led to a British massacre on the site.
According to the stories, more than 300 of them perished in a church which was burned to the ground by British forces, enraged by an O'Toole clan raid on a castle in the 1640s. Locals say the discovery of remains by council officials in the 1930s was enough to put a halt to previous development.
Tom and Paddy Meyler had applied to build three houses on the site and, while they had initially been granted planning permission, this later lapsed in 2001.
A renewal of the application caused concern locally and meetings were held to form objections.
Eamonn Griffin of the National Graves Association (NGA), one of the objectors, noted Irish people have always shown a respect for the dead.
"Anytime anyone has gone near the area they have found remains. The reason this is important is that this is the last resting place of civilians who were massacred," he said.
However, developer Paddy Meyler had previously said that archeological reports carried out on the area showed there were no remains present. He also promised a memorial to the victims and a public car park.
An Bord Pleanála rejected the plans on four grounds.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
A 17th-century squabble that involved historians, a developer and hundreds of murdered peasants led to a British massacre on the site.
According to the stories, more than 300 of them perished in a church which was burned to the ground by British forces, enraged by an O'Toole clan raid on a castle in the 1640s. Locals say the discovery of remains by council officials in the 1930s was enough to put a halt to previous development.
Tom and Paddy Meyler had applied to build three houses on the site and, while they had initially been granted planning permission, this later lapsed in 2001.
A renewal of the application caused concern locally and meetings were held to form objections.
Eamonn Griffin of the National Graves Association (NGA), one of the objectors, noted Irish people have always shown a respect for the dead.
"Anytime anyone has gone near the area they have found remains. The reason this is important is that this is the last resting place of civilians who were massacred," he said.
However, developer Paddy Meyler had previously said that archeological reports carried out on the area showed there were no remains present. He also promised a memorial to the victims and a public car park.
An Bord Pleanála rejected the plans on four grounds.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Court told council failed to disclose Garda statements on Wicklow dump
COPIES OF Garda statements made by waste investigators at Wicklow County Council, as part of criminal proceedings relating to illegal dumping, were retained by the council which failed to disclose them in compliance with a High Court order, it has been alleged.
The High Court was also told that Wicklow county manager Eddie Sheehy was incorrect in his evidence to the court last July, when he said the council had not retained copies of the statements.
Mr Justice Daniel O’Keeffe was hearing a number of applications to strike out or dismiss an action by Wicklow County Council against the former owner of the Whitestown dump, John O’Reilly; Brownfield Restoration Ireland, which bought the lands from Mr O’Reilly in 2003; and two waste companies, Swalcliffe, trading as Dublin Waste, and Dean Waste.
In a counter-claim, Brownfield and Dean Waste allege the council was itself engaged in dumping and should bear the remediation costs.
At stake is a €60 million bill to clean up the Whitestown site and remove or treat large quantities of hospital and other hazardous waste and contaminated soil amounting to 1,140,000 tonnes.
Ian Finlay SC, for Brownfield Regeneration, said yesterday that Wicklow County Council had failed a number of times since December 2007 to make full discovery to the court of documents, diaries and electronic records which it either owned or was in a position to procure.
Mr Finlay told Mr Justice O’Keeffe his clients might never have seen the documents if the court had relied on Wicklow County Council’s initial response to the order for discovery.
While the council said a number of times it had made full discovery of all relevant papers, it had left out papers submitted by its environmental consultant Donal Ó Laoire, the Garda statements and other relevant documents, until after witness evidence began to be heard this July.
The court is expected to hear replying affidavits prepared by Mr Sheehy this morning.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The High Court was also told that Wicklow county manager Eddie Sheehy was incorrect in his evidence to the court last July, when he said the council had not retained copies of the statements.
Mr Justice Daniel O’Keeffe was hearing a number of applications to strike out or dismiss an action by Wicklow County Council against the former owner of the Whitestown dump, John O’Reilly; Brownfield Restoration Ireland, which bought the lands from Mr O’Reilly in 2003; and two waste companies, Swalcliffe, trading as Dublin Waste, and Dean Waste.
In a counter-claim, Brownfield and Dean Waste allege the council was itself engaged in dumping and should bear the remediation costs.
At stake is a €60 million bill to clean up the Whitestown site and remove or treat large quantities of hospital and other hazardous waste and contaminated soil amounting to 1,140,000 tonnes.
Ian Finlay SC, for Brownfield Regeneration, said yesterday that Wicklow County Council had failed a number of times since December 2007 to make full discovery to the court of documents, diaries and electronic records which it either owned or was in a position to procure.
Mr Finlay told Mr Justice O’Keeffe his clients might never have seen the documents if the court had relied on Wicklow County Council’s initial response to the order for discovery.
While the council said a number of times it had made full discovery of all relevant papers, it had left out papers submitted by its environmental consultant Donal Ó Laoire, the Garda statements and other relevant documents, until after witness evidence began to be heard this July.
The court is expected to hear replying affidavits prepared by Mr Sheehy this morning.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Review of Wicklow County Council County Development Plan 2004-2010
Wicklow County Council published notice of their intention to review the County Development Plan 2004-2010 and prepare a new County Development Plan for the period 2010-2016 on 29th October 2008. A consultation period was then held in which submissions were invited with regard to the new Development Plan by 23rd December 2008.
Following the end of this consultation period, a Manager’s report was prepared, which is currently available on the Council’s website. The Manager’s Report was issued to the members of Wicklow County Council for their consideration on the 17th February 2009, after which time the members issued direction to the Manager for the preparation of the draft Development Plan by 28th April 2009. Preparation of the draft Development Plan is now underway running for a 12 weeks period from 28th April, following which the Draft Plan will be submitted to members for their consideration on 21st July 2009. An 8-week period will follow when this draft will be considered by the members and the Draft Plan may be adopted or amended by resolution.
Wicklow County Council has stipulated that the draft plan is expected to be made on 15th September, when a notice of preparation of draft will be published in local newspapers. At this time a draft of the plan will be sent to the Minister and any relevant Government bodies for their consideration. The Draft Plan will then be on display for not less than 10 weeks, during which time further written submissions will be invited from members of the public. This consultation period is expected to run from 29th September to 8th December. The County Manager will then prepare a further report on the submissions received, and submit the report to the Council Members for consideration. This report is expected to be issues on 2nd March 2010.
If you need any further details, please contact bps on 0404-66060.
www.buckplanning.ie
Following the end of this consultation period, a Manager’s report was prepared, which is currently available on the Council’s website. The Manager’s Report was issued to the members of Wicklow County Council for their consideration on the 17th February 2009, after which time the members issued direction to the Manager for the preparation of the draft Development Plan by 28th April 2009. Preparation of the draft Development Plan is now underway running for a 12 weeks period from 28th April, following which the Draft Plan will be submitted to members for their consideration on 21st July 2009. An 8-week period will follow when this draft will be considered by the members and the Draft Plan may be adopted or amended by resolution.
Wicklow County Council has stipulated that the draft plan is expected to be made on 15th September, when a notice of preparation of draft will be published in local newspapers. At this time a draft of the plan will be sent to the Minister and any relevant Government bodies for their consideration. The Draft Plan will then be on display for not less than 10 weeks, during which time further written submissions will be invited from members of the public. This consultation period is expected to run from 29th September to 8th December. The County Manager will then prepare a further report on the submissions received, and submit the report to the Council Members for consideration. This report is expected to be issues on 2nd March 2010.
If you need any further details, please contact bps on 0404-66060.
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 20 April 2009
Plans for massacre site angers locals
A WICKLOW developer has come under fire over attempts to build houses on the site of a 17th-century massacre in which hundreds of Irish peasants were slaughtered by British forces.
The local authority recently granted planning permission for the development at Weston Close in Ballyguile but now residents, politicians and historians are appealing it to An Bord Pleanála.
Environment minister John Gormley has also responded to submissions made by a concerned party and his department is currently reviewing the granted planning permission. However, a spokesperson for the department said that they do not have any remit to interfere with a local authority's decision in planning matters. According to local sources, the soil entombs the remains of over 300 people whose bodies were first discovered by the local authority in the 1930s. The find halted earlier development attempts.
But developer Paddy Meyler told the Sunday Tribune that he has archaeological reports from an original planning permission in 1996 that shows there are no remains where he is planning to build three houses. That planning permission lapsed in 2001 and the application was subsequently renewed.
The 17th-century victims had crowded into a church on the site which was burned to the ground by vengeful soldiers following a raid on Black Castle by the O'Toole clan, some time around the late 1640s.
"The Irish above all have always shown respect for the dead," said Eamonn Griffin of the National Graves Association. "Anytime anyone has gone near the area they have found remains. The reason this is important is that this is the last resting place of civilians who were massacred."
A meeting of local residents and other concerned parties took place last week to plan their next objection, this time to An Bord Pleanála.
Sinn Féin councillor Eamonn Long, who is amongst the objectors, said the massacre was an act of vengeance by Sir Charles Coote, a military leader during the infamous Cromwellian era. "Many of them tried to escape the fire but they [the British soldiers] killed them on the way out," he said. "Generations of people have passed this story down and the area actually got its name from that day – Baile na nGol, which means 'the hill of the crying'."
Long claims that previous attempts to develop the site were halted by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the same reasons. "A lot of people are aware of the history of the site. They are not against building as such but they want the council to preserve this site."
However, the developer claims that archaeologists have already said there are no remains, but that they will be present during construction. He has also promised to provide a memorial to the victims and a public park.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The local authority recently granted planning permission for the development at Weston Close in Ballyguile but now residents, politicians and historians are appealing it to An Bord Pleanála.
Environment minister John Gormley has also responded to submissions made by a concerned party and his department is currently reviewing the granted planning permission. However, a spokesperson for the department said that they do not have any remit to interfere with a local authority's decision in planning matters. According to local sources, the soil entombs the remains of over 300 people whose bodies were first discovered by the local authority in the 1930s. The find halted earlier development attempts.
But developer Paddy Meyler told the Sunday Tribune that he has archaeological reports from an original planning permission in 1996 that shows there are no remains where he is planning to build three houses. That planning permission lapsed in 2001 and the application was subsequently renewed.
The 17th-century victims had crowded into a church on the site which was burned to the ground by vengeful soldiers following a raid on Black Castle by the O'Toole clan, some time around the late 1640s.
"The Irish above all have always shown respect for the dead," said Eamonn Griffin of the National Graves Association. "Anytime anyone has gone near the area they have found remains. The reason this is important is that this is the last resting place of civilians who were massacred."
A meeting of local residents and other concerned parties took place last week to plan their next objection, this time to An Bord Pleanála.
Sinn Féin councillor Eamonn Long, who is amongst the objectors, said the massacre was an act of vengeance by Sir Charles Coote, a military leader during the infamous Cromwellian era. "Many of them tried to escape the fire but they [the British soldiers] killed them on the way out," he said. "Generations of people have passed this story down and the area actually got its name from that day – Baile na nGol, which means 'the hill of the crying'."
Long claims that previous attempts to develop the site were halted by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the same reasons. "A lot of people are aware of the history of the site. They are not against building as such but they want the council to preserve this site."
However, the developer claims that archaeologists have already said there are no remains, but that they will be present during construction. He has also promised to provide a memorial to the victims and a public park.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Major blow for Dunne's shopping centre plans
DEVELOPER Sean Dunne has been refused permission to build a multi-million euro shopping centre in Co Wicklow.
In a major setback for the high-profile businessman, yesterday An Bord Pleanala refused permission for a district shopping centre and retail warehouses at a site at Charlesland in Greystones saying it would conflict with national retail guidelines.
The €1bn development, proposed by Zapi Properties which is made up of Mr Dunne and businessman Sean Mulryan, proposed a 20,000-sq m shopping centre, offices and 260 new homes on an 80-acre site outside the town centre.
The application came after local councillors agreed to change the zoning of the site to allow mixed-use development in return for a number of community facilities being handed over.
It was unclear last night if the community facilities would go ahead, given that permission was refused for most of the ambitious project.
In its decision, the board granted permission for houses, offices, an enterprise centre, petrol station and car showrooms.
Conflict
"The proposed district centre, which would be located in an out of centre, greenfield site would conflict with national policy as contained in the retail planning guidelines which favours the siting of new retail development in town centres or edge of centre locations," it said.
The development would have an "adverse impact" on the viability of the existing town centre, and Greystones required a smaller shopping centre to cater for "local needs".
Major developments were better placed in Wicklow and Bray, and the developer had not demonstrated that alternative sites closer to the town's shopping area were not suitable for development.
A public hearing into his plans was held late last year, where a rival developer seeking to build a shopping centre in Bray outlined their objections following the collapse of a "gentleman's agreement" where both parties agreed not to object to each other's schemes.
Pizarro Developments, which includes developer Paddy Kelly, Durkan New Homes and Pierse Construction, objected to the Greystones scheme. It proposes building the new Bray Town Centre shopping complex, and a decision on that plan is due at the end of the month.
Local councillor Derek Mitchell (FG) said the decision would result in jobs being lost to Wicklow.
Zapi was not available for comment last night.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
In a major setback for the high-profile businessman, yesterday An Bord Pleanala refused permission for a district shopping centre and retail warehouses at a site at Charlesland in Greystones saying it would conflict with national retail guidelines.
The €1bn development, proposed by Zapi Properties which is made up of Mr Dunne and businessman Sean Mulryan, proposed a 20,000-sq m shopping centre, offices and 260 new homes on an 80-acre site outside the town centre.
The application came after local councillors agreed to change the zoning of the site to allow mixed-use development in return for a number of community facilities being handed over.
It was unclear last night if the community facilities would go ahead, given that permission was refused for most of the ambitious project.
In its decision, the board granted permission for houses, offices, an enterprise centre, petrol station and car showrooms.
Conflict
"The proposed district centre, which would be located in an out of centre, greenfield site would conflict with national policy as contained in the retail planning guidelines which favours the siting of new retail development in town centres or edge of centre locations," it said.
The development would have an "adverse impact" on the viability of the existing town centre, and Greystones required a smaller shopping centre to cater for "local needs".
Major developments were better placed in Wicklow and Bray, and the developer had not demonstrated that alternative sites closer to the town's shopping area were not suitable for development.
A public hearing into his plans was held late last year, where a rival developer seeking to build a shopping centre in Bray outlined their objections following the collapse of a "gentleman's agreement" where both parties agreed not to object to each other's schemes.
Pizarro Developments, which includes developer Paddy Kelly, Durkan New Homes and Pierse Construction, objected to the Greystones scheme. It proposes building the new Bray Town Centre shopping complex, and a decision on that plan is due at the end of the month.
Local councillor Derek Mitchell (FG) said the decision would result in jobs being lost to Wicklow.
Zapi was not available for comment last night.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 8 December 2008
Unauthorised Wicklow quarry seeks to expand
WICKLOW COUNTY Council is to decide next week whether to allow an unauthorised quarrying operation to import up to 1,200 tonnes of stone per month.
O'Reilly Brothers quarry at Ballylusk near Ashford was found to be operating without planning permission, and not to be exempt from the requirement for planning permission, by An Bord Pleanála in 2003.
The Bord Pleanála decision was subsequently upheld by the High Court in December 2006, when Mr Justice John Quirke criticised the council's role in the affair, describing its documentation as "deplorable" and "rag-tag".
However, the quarry has continued to operate and on a number of occasions, when blasting was taking place, local people were asked by gardaí to leave their homes in the interests of safety.
Now O'Reilly Brothers Ltd has asked the council for planning permission to extend operations at the site, including an increase in the rate of extraction of up to 60,000 tonnes per year of stone.
The company has also asked the council for permission to retain existing screening along the northern boundary of the site, and for the retention of a 19sq m works canteen.
It has also asked the council to approve the importation of up to 300 tonnes of stone per week, along with a wheel-cleaning unit, a settlement lagoon, provision of an effluent treatment system and improvements to the existing quarry entrance among other ancillary works.
The council is due to decide on the application by December 11th.
Local residents have criticised the application, claiming they have "no faith left that the council will support the rule of law".
Residents, who said they did not want to be named, said they had initially objected to the quarry because of the noise, nuisance and the number of heavy lorries using a country lane.
A number said they had believed the quarry would be forced to close when the planning board and the High Court found against it, and questioned the council's efforts to enforce the court's decision.
Director of services for planning with Wicklow County Council Des O'Brien said an enforcement action taken by the council on foot of the Bord Pleanála and High Court decisions was due to come before the Circuit Court early next year.
He said the council was not in a position to "simply put a chain on the gate" but had to go through the courts.
He said the legal system frequently contributed to making enforcement a slow process, an aspect he claimed was seldom reported in the media.
He added that the council had successfully prosecuted a number of planning enforcement cases at Bray Circuit Court in recent times. These had included houses built without planning permission, unauthorised quarries and other infringements.
Attempts to secure a comment from O'Reilly Brothers over a number of days have not been successful.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
O'Reilly Brothers quarry at Ballylusk near Ashford was found to be operating without planning permission, and not to be exempt from the requirement for planning permission, by An Bord Pleanála in 2003.
The Bord Pleanála decision was subsequently upheld by the High Court in December 2006, when Mr Justice John Quirke criticised the council's role in the affair, describing its documentation as "deplorable" and "rag-tag".
However, the quarry has continued to operate and on a number of occasions, when blasting was taking place, local people were asked by gardaí to leave their homes in the interests of safety.
Now O'Reilly Brothers Ltd has asked the council for planning permission to extend operations at the site, including an increase in the rate of extraction of up to 60,000 tonnes per year of stone.
The company has also asked the council for permission to retain existing screening along the northern boundary of the site, and for the retention of a 19sq m works canteen.
It has also asked the council to approve the importation of up to 300 tonnes of stone per week, along with a wheel-cleaning unit, a settlement lagoon, provision of an effluent treatment system and improvements to the existing quarry entrance among other ancillary works.
The council is due to decide on the application by December 11th.
Local residents have criticised the application, claiming they have "no faith left that the council will support the rule of law".
Residents, who said they did not want to be named, said they had initially objected to the quarry because of the noise, nuisance and the number of heavy lorries using a country lane.
A number said they had believed the quarry would be forced to close when the planning board and the High Court found against it, and questioned the council's efforts to enforce the court's decision.
Director of services for planning with Wicklow County Council Des O'Brien said an enforcement action taken by the council on foot of the Bord Pleanála and High Court decisions was due to come before the Circuit Court early next year.
He said the council was not in a position to "simply put a chain on the gate" but had to go through the courts.
He said the legal system frequently contributed to making enforcement a slow process, an aspect he claimed was seldom reported in the media.
He added that the council had successfully prosecuted a number of planning enforcement cases at Bray Circuit Court in recent times. These had included houses built without planning permission, unauthorised quarries and other infringements.
Attempts to secure a comment from O'Reilly Brothers over a number of days have not been successful.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 10 November 2008
Wicklow County Development Plan 2010-2016
Wicklow County Council is reviewing the County Development Plan 2004-2010 and preparing a new County Development Plan for its functional area.
Written submissions or observations with respect to the preparation of the draft County Development Plan may be made until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday 23rd December 2008.
For assistance in making your Development Plan submission contact bps planning consultants on 0404-66060 or email: admin@buckplanning.ie
www.buckplanning.ie
Written submissions or observations with respect to the preparation of the draft County Development Plan may be made until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday 23rd December 2008.
For assistance in making your Development Plan submission contact bps planning consultants on 0404-66060 or email: admin@buckplanning.ie
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Tourist centre planned for Kilmurray
A planning application has been lodged by P. Sexton with Wicklow County Council for aninterpretative and tourist information centre, arts and crafts building and alterations and extensions to garden centre building with associated external areas. Demolish outbuildings and close road entrance off N11 at Kilmurray South and Kilmurray North, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow.
www.buckplanning.ie
www.buckplanning.ie
75-unit scheme for Arklow
GANNON HOMES is about to apply for planning permission from Wicklow County Council for a 10-year permission for the construction of a new residential neighbourhood at Tinahask in upper Arklow.
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
75-unit scheme for Arklow
GANNON HOMES is about to apply for planning permission from Wicklow County Council for a 10-year permission for the construction of a new residential neighbourhood at Tinahask in upper Arklow.
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The site is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial development on 39.8 hectares.
This planning application is for 75 three and four-bed houses in a mix of two and three storeys. Gannon Homes is also making a concurrent application to Arklow Town Council for the infrastructural elements in their jurisdiction.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Unlicensed dump is not polluting reservoir, says Wicklow County Council
WICKLOW COUNTY Council has said it has no reason to believe an unlicensed dump at Russborough on the edge of Blessington Lake is polluting the reservoir.
The council recently took advantage of a dry spell to dig trial holes on the dump, which is frequently submerged due to wet weather.
According to the council, part of the dump is about 25 years old and a Northern Ireland-based contracting firm secured planning permission to use it for construction and demolition waste in the 1990s.
The firm failed, however, to secure an Environmental Protection Agency licence when that became a requirement, and closed the dump more then 10 years ago.
The council subsequently served a Section 55 notice on the firm, requiring it to take steps to protect the area.
It has subsequently been on a list of almost 100 suspect sites that the council drew up in recent years, following revelations of widespread dumping in west Wicklow.
A spokesman for the council said visual inspections at Russborough indicated the waste was from construction and demolition, including builder’s rubble, wood and clay.
Dublin City Council, which owns the reservoir, said it continually tested the water and had no reports of contamination.
The results of the testing are due in the coming weeks, according to the council.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council recently took advantage of a dry spell to dig trial holes on the dump, which is frequently submerged due to wet weather.
According to the council, part of the dump is about 25 years old and a Northern Ireland-based contracting firm secured planning permission to use it for construction and demolition waste in the 1990s.
The firm failed, however, to secure an Environmental Protection Agency licence when that became a requirement, and closed the dump more then 10 years ago.
The council subsequently served a Section 55 notice on the firm, requiring it to take steps to protect the area.
It has subsequently been on a list of almost 100 suspect sites that the council drew up in recent years, following revelations of widespread dumping in west Wicklow.
A spokesman for the council said visual inspections at Russborough indicated the waste was from construction and demolition, including builder’s rubble, wood and clay.
Dublin City Council, which owns the reservoir, said it continually tested the water and had no reports of contamination.
The results of the testing are due in the coming weeks, according to the council.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 14 June 2008
East Coast Recycling gets warning to cut down dust
East Coast Recycling have been warned to clean up their act after a complaint was made over the amount of dust emanating from their Murrough site. Following a complaint from a member of the public to the environmental section of Wicklow County Council, a warden from the Waste Management Section visited the site on Thursday.
As a result of the visit East Coast Recycling have been instructed to cease shredding the timber which was the main source of the dust and to also dampen down the site. The situation will be monitored over the next few days by the Council to ensure their instructions are being followed.
Nicholas Corcoran is based out by the Murrough and made the complaint to the council after noting the amount of dust originating from East Coast Recycling was causing him to feel nauseous.
I ended up with watery eyes that were very painful, pains in my head and kept feeling nauseous. I never had any problems with my health before this. I never really noticed the dust before but the winds changed direction recently to a north/easterly direction and keep blowing the dust in my direction.'
He rang up the council as soon as he noted the affect the dust was having on his health, after it is pushed back into the atmosphere when waste for recycling is placed into crushers used on the site.
While he is pleased the council have acted on his complaint, but is far from happy that the incident occurred at all.
It' an absolute disgrace that we have this. It's an environmental hazard. You could see tiny bits of timber, little speckles, gathering on cars and other objects when the dust blew over.'
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
As a result of the visit East Coast Recycling have been instructed to cease shredding the timber which was the main source of the dust and to also dampen down the site. The situation will be monitored over the next few days by the Council to ensure their instructions are being followed.
Nicholas Corcoran is based out by the Murrough and made the complaint to the council after noting the amount of dust originating from East Coast Recycling was causing him to feel nauseous.
I ended up with watery eyes that were very painful, pains in my head and kept feeling nauseous. I never had any problems with my health before this. I never really noticed the dust before but the winds changed direction recently to a north/easterly direction and keep blowing the dust in my direction.'
He rang up the council as soon as he noted the affect the dust was having on his health, after it is pushed back into the atmosphere when waste for recycling is placed into crushers used on the site.
While he is pleased the council have acted on his complaint, but is far from happy that the incident occurred at all.
It' an absolute disgrace that we have this. It's an environmental hazard. You could see tiny bits of timber, little speckles, gathering on cars and other objects when the dust blew over.'
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Council officials back retention of site with no planning permit
OFFICIALS of Wicklow County Council are to propose a material contravention of the county development plan to accommodate a development which has no planning permission and whose owner is about to face committal proceedings.
On June 9th next councillors are due to consider granting permission for the retention of buildings belonging to Abwood Homes, on the western side of the N11 outside Newtownmountkennedy.
Last year the council won a case in the High Court against Forest Fencing Ltd, trading as Abwood Homes, and its owner, George Smullen, following which Mr Smullen was ordered to clear the site by April this year.
As the site has not been cleared, as directed, the council's solicitors have been asked to prepare attachment and committal proceedings. The council is currently awaiting a court date, according to senior executive officer Sheila O'Leary.
However, on April 18th, in a public notice, the council advised that it would consider granting an application for the retention of two of the three buildings on the site, which was the subject of a High Court ruling.
The retention application, from Mr Smullen, would materially contravene the county development plan, as the location is not zoned for industrial use. The final decision rests with the councillors.
Financial controller for Abwood Breda Hamilton said she was "amazed" when told of the intention to initiate proceedings. "We discussed retention with the council on a reduced scale . . . and at the same time they want to knock it down before they grant retention."
In his judgment last year Mr Justice Peter Charleton described the existing Abwood buildings as a major development for which there was no planning permission. "It is in material contravention of the Co Wicklow Development Plan. It is built entirely to suit the developer and with almost no reference to legal constraint."
Mr Justice Charleton noted that the county development plan aimed to protect green belt areas between expanding towns and to encourage industrial development within towns and villages.
While the Abwood development could possibly be in conformity with the county plan if it had been sited in a heavily-wooded area, it seemed to him, the judge said, that it could not be acceptable in the current site. "It has, as a matter of fact, turned the green belt corridor area between towns into a stretch of industrial and commercial usage."
However, the council's planning department has decided that the development, as now proposed, does not "unduly impact" on the area.
"Having examined the submitted documentation and the site, it was considered that the development, as proposed, did not unduly impact on the amenities of the rural area and adjoining residential amenities," Ms O'Leary said.
"Regard was had to the scale and design of the proposed structures and to the proposed use. Regard was also had to the employment-generating nature of the development and its accessibility to the national road network.
"In the light of previous planning history it is the council's opinion that there are planning grounds to proceed further with this application."
The council said that the planning authority had initiated enforcement proceedings against the Abwood operation as no permission had been granted for it.
"However, in assessing the current application, the previous enforcement proceedings and existence of unauthorised development would not have been a material consideration in assessing the planning application. This planning application had to be assessed on its own merits in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
The latest filed accounts for Forest Fencing show that it made a pre-tax profit of €930,662 in 2006, a significant jump on the €222,987 it made in the previous year.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
On June 9th next councillors are due to consider granting permission for the retention of buildings belonging to Abwood Homes, on the western side of the N11 outside Newtownmountkennedy.
Last year the council won a case in the High Court against Forest Fencing Ltd, trading as Abwood Homes, and its owner, George Smullen, following which Mr Smullen was ordered to clear the site by April this year.
As the site has not been cleared, as directed, the council's solicitors have been asked to prepare attachment and committal proceedings. The council is currently awaiting a court date, according to senior executive officer Sheila O'Leary.
However, on April 18th, in a public notice, the council advised that it would consider granting an application for the retention of two of the three buildings on the site, which was the subject of a High Court ruling.
The retention application, from Mr Smullen, would materially contravene the county development plan, as the location is not zoned for industrial use. The final decision rests with the councillors.
Financial controller for Abwood Breda Hamilton said she was "amazed" when told of the intention to initiate proceedings. "We discussed retention with the council on a reduced scale . . . and at the same time they want to knock it down before they grant retention."
In his judgment last year Mr Justice Peter Charleton described the existing Abwood buildings as a major development for which there was no planning permission. "It is in material contravention of the Co Wicklow Development Plan. It is built entirely to suit the developer and with almost no reference to legal constraint."
Mr Justice Charleton noted that the county development plan aimed to protect green belt areas between expanding towns and to encourage industrial development within towns and villages.
While the Abwood development could possibly be in conformity with the county plan if it had been sited in a heavily-wooded area, it seemed to him, the judge said, that it could not be acceptable in the current site. "It has, as a matter of fact, turned the green belt corridor area between towns into a stretch of industrial and commercial usage."
However, the council's planning department has decided that the development, as now proposed, does not "unduly impact" on the area.
"Having examined the submitted documentation and the site, it was considered that the development, as proposed, did not unduly impact on the amenities of the rural area and adjoining residential amenities," Ms O'Leary said.
"Regard was had to the scale and design of the proposed structures and to the proposed use. Regard was also had to the employment-generating nature of the development and its accessibility to the national road network.
"In the light of previous planning history it is the council's opinion that there are planning grounds to proceed further with this application."
The council said that the planning authority had initiated enforcement proceedings against the Abwood operation as no permission had been granted for it.
"However, in assessing the current application, the previous enforcement proceedings and existence of unauthorised development would not have been a material consideration in assessing the planning application. This planning application had to be assessed on its own merits in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
The latest filed accounts for Forest Fencing show that it made a pre-tax profit of €930,662 in 2006, a significant jump on the €222,987 it made in the previous year.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 17 March 2008
Delay expected on Roadstone decison
A planning application submitted by Roadstone which proposes to extend their local operation is expected to be sent back by Wicklow County Council seeking further information for a second time.
This follows concerns from local residents in the Arklow Rock area about the Roadstone plan to extend the existing quarry by 26.6 hectares and an overall future area of 83.3 hectares.
The application decision has already been deferred once to allow the council to seek further details but what has come back is unsatisfactory according to a local councillor.
I am disappointed with the reply from Roadstone. The answers are short. I ask that the planners are told that members are not happy with the response. I have nothing against Roadstone but I don't want to see the wildlife and birds obliterated. I think that Roadstone should co-operate and if they work within certain parameters we can all live in harmony', said Cllr. Bill O'Connell at the recent Area meeting of Wicklow County Council.
The decision is due to be released on March 26.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
This follows concerns from local residents in the Arklow Rock area about the Roadstone plan to extend the existing quarry by 26.6 hectares and an overall future area of 83.3 hectares.
The application decision has already been deferred once to allow the council to seek further details but what has come back is unsatisfactory according to a local councillor.
I am disappointed with the reply from Roadstone. The answers are short. I ask that the planners are told that members are not happy with the response. I have nothing against Roadstone but I don't want to see the wildlife and birds obliterated. I think that Roadstone should co-operate and if they work within certain parameters we can all live in harmony', said Cllr. Bill O'Connell at the recent Area meeting of Wicklow County Council.
The decision is due to be released on March 26.
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 25 January 2008
County official altered zoning to Timmins land
A Wicklow County Council official has said he was responsible for switching a housing zoning in proposals for a Baltinglass local development plan, which benefited council member Edward Timmins and other members of the Timmins family, including Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesman Billy Timmins.
The council's director of services for planning, Des O'Brien, said he had made the change in the interests of proper planning and development and to consolidate development within the town of Baltinglass.
Mr O'Brien was commenting after councillors last week suspended standing orders to discuss the issue. Independent Baltinglass councillor Tommy Cullen called on Minister for the Environment John Gormley to launch an inquiry.
At the centre of the row is a map produced by planners as part of the drafting process of the Baltinglass local area plan.
The map, dated July 12th last, indicated that land belonging to the family of a local man, Cedric Hendy, was to be designated for housing.
However, a subsequent map dated July 26th indicated the Hendy designation had been switched to agricultural use or green space, while land belonging to the Timmins family, and a neighbouring site, was now designated for new housing.
Mr Cullen told The Irish Times the Hendy land was within 400 yards of the local GAA pitch, a school and a hospital. It was well served by mains drainage, he added.
However, he insisted the area taking in the Timmins lands would require a new bridge across the river Slaney before it could be developed.
The latter parcel of land was rezoned as part of the Baltinglass local area plan adopted on January 7th this year.
Councillor Edward Timmins told The Irish Times yesterday that at all times he declared his interest and absented himself from the vote on the plan.
In a statement he said: "At the county council meeting which discussed the Baltinglass draft plan on January 7th, I declared my interest in any land in Baltinglass and that of my family.
"Where any discussions involved any of these lands, or even land adjacent to these lands, I left the meeting. So I complied fully with all relevant ethics legislation, as I always have done.
"At the county council meeting in December I also declared my interest, but there was no discussion on the plan, just a short five-minute presentation by the planners. "Any zoning of any of the family land was done by the professional planners of Wicklow County Council."
Billy Timmins said his family's land was closer to the centre of town than the Hendy land. It had about 400 metres of road frontage and was served for sewerage and water.
Part of the family land currently had planning permission for 60 houses, he noted.
He also said the zoning proposal was made by the professional planners, "who explained that their preference was for zoning land on the western side of the town in order to encourage the construction of a bridge and ring road for the town".
The statement went on to say the proposals were in line with the views of the Baltinglass forum.
Mr O'Brien, who is the council's director of planning, confirmed the initiative for changing the draft plan had come from him. He said the switch was made in the very early stages before a formal draft plan was established and was done in the interests of proper planning.
A compass pinpointing the centre of Baltinglass would show the Timmins land was closer than the Hendy land, he added.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council's director of services for planning, Des O'Brien, said he had made the change in the interests of proper planning and development and to consolidate development within the town of Baltinglass.
Mr O'Brien was commenting after councillors last week suspended standing orders to discuss the issue. Independent Baltinglass councillor Tommy Cullen called on Minister for the Environment John Gormley to launch an inquiry.
At the centre of the row is a map produced by planners as part of the drafting process of the Baltinglass local area plan.
The map, dated July 12th last, indicated that land belonging to the family of a local man, Cedric Hendy, was to be designated for housing.
However, a subsequent map dated July 26th indicated the Hendy designation had been switched to agricultural use or green space, while land belonging to the Timmins family, and a neighbouring site, was now designated for new housing.
Mr Cullen told The Irish Times the Hendy land was within 400 yards of the local GAA pitch, a school and a hospital. It was well served by mains drainage, he added.
However, he insisted the area taking in the Timmins lands would require a new bridge across the river Slaney before it could be developed.
The latter parcel of land was rezoned as part of the Baltinglass local area plan adopted on January 7th this year.
Councillor Edward Timmins told The Irish Times yesterday that at all times he declared his interest and absented himself from the vote on the plan.
In a statement he said: "At the county council meeting which discussed the Baltinglass draft plan on January 7th, I declared my interest in any land in Baltinglass and that of my family.
"Where any discussions involved any of these lands, or even land adjacent to these lands, I left the meeting. So I complied fully with all relevant ethics legislation, as I always have done.
"At the county council meeting in December I also declared my interest, but there was no discussion on the plan, just a short five-minute presentation by the planners. "Any zoning of any of the family land was done by the professional planners of Wicklow County Council."
Billy Timmins said his family's land was closer to the centre of town than the Hendy land. It had about 400 metres of road frontage and was served for sewerage and water.
Part of the family land currently had planning permission for 60 houses, he noted.
He also said the zoning proposal was made by the professional planners, "who explained that their preference was for zoning land on the western side of the town in order to encourage the construction of a bridge and ring road for the town".
The statement went on to say the proposals were in line with the views of the Baltinglass forum.
Mr O'Brien, who is the council's director of planning, confirmed the initiative for changing the draft plan had come from him. He said the switch was made in the very early stages before a formal draft plan was established and was done in the interests of proper planning.
A compass pinpointing the centre of Baltinglass would show the Timmins land was closer than the Hendy land, he added.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Greystones shopping centre plan
Greystones shopping centre plan appealed by rival developers A bid by developers Seán Dunne and Seán Mulryan to build a district shopping centre, offices, 260 residential units, a primary school and Garda station at Charlesland in Greystones, Co Wicklow has been challenged by Pizarro Development Ltd the company behind a rival €2 billion Bray town centre.
Pizarro is one of three parties to appeal a decision to grant permission for the development which includes a shopping centre comparable in size to Liffey Valley. Pizarro is a consortium made up of developer Paddy Kelly and his family; Alanis, controlled by the McCormack family; the Flynn family; Durkan New Homes; Pierse Construction; and the Newlyn Group.
Another appellant is the local Super Valu in Greystones which says the proposal for an out-of-town regional shopping centre would "decimate the existing town centre of Greystones" and have a detrimental effect on Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy and, because of its scale, Bray, Wicklow and Arklow.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Pizarro is one of three parties to appeal a decision to grant permission for the development which includes a shopping centre comparable in size to Liffey Valley. Pizarro is a consortium made up of developer Paddy Kelly and his family; Alanis, controlled by the McCormack family; the Flynn family; Durkan New Homes; Pierse Construction; and the Newlyn Group.
Another appellant is the local Super Valu in Greystones which says the proposal for an out-of-town regional shopping centre would "decimate the existing town centre of Greystones" and have a detrimental effect on Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy and, because of its scale, Bray, Wicklow and Arklow.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
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