Wicklow Council meeting: yesterday's planningdecisions
Abwood Homes site - Councillors voted by a two to one majority to reverse the original rezoning proposal on this land, a timber frame and garden shed factory beside the N11. They were told there were High Court and Circuit Court planning enforcement proceedings already in train in relation to the site, which the county manager, Mr Eddie Sheehy, said was the worst case of planning infringement in the county.
Brook Lodge, Macreddin Village - Councillors voted overwhelmingly to maintain the rezoning for a golf course, tourist and residential development at the already successful hotel and restaurant complex. Planning officials had concerns over the housing development aspect of the development.
Rath East, Knockloe - Another timber-processing facility owned by George Smullen, the owner of Abwood Homes. This was withdrawn without debate by its proposer, Mr Nicky Kelly.
Annamoe - Councillors voted overwhelmingly to retain the rezoning for a log cabin tourist development at the site near a fish farm. There had been a number of high-profile opposers to it, including the manager of U2, Mr Paul McGuinness; the film director, Mr John Boorman; and fashion designer, Ms Lainey Keogh.
Ballylusk Quarry, Ashford - The original rezoning of this quarry, which was previously found to be an unauthorised development by An Bord Pleanála and to require planning permission, was rescinded unanimously by councillors. It was a focus of controversy surrounding the original proposer of the July rezoning, Mr Fachtna Whittle, a solicitor. Mr Whittle's firm, Haughton McCarroll, represents the quarry owners in a legal action over its planning status. Mr Whittle did not inform councillors of this when he proposed the rezoning, but has denied any conflict of interest. He was absent for yesterday's vote.
Jack White's pub, near Brittas - Councillors voted overwhelmingly to overturn this original rezoning for a petrol station, garden centre and tourist development after it emerged that there were significant implications for a planned major upgrade of the N11, which passes by the site. Part of the site is on land that is the subject of a compulsory purchase order, while the rezoning could also increase the compensation costs of other land nearby that is needed for a road interchange.
Kiladreenan, Newtownmountkennedy - The original rezoning proposal was for an existing furniture factory, which currently has no planning permission and is the subject of planning enforcement proceedings. Councillors voted to reverse this after the original proposer of the rezoning, Cllr Andrew Doyle, offered to withdraw it, on the basis that planning enforcement officials would enter into discussions with the owner of the site.
Killoughter, Ashford - Councillors voted to retain this rezoning by a majority of 12 to seven, albeit on a scaled-down basis. The original rezoning was for a 45 acre technology park on a farmland outside Ashford, which was strongly advised against by planners because of traffic and other issues. Councillors rejected the advice in favour of a scaled-down version of the original proposal, involving a 25 acre site.
Tinode, Manor Kilbride - Councillors voted by 12 to eight to retain rezoning for a scaled-down development on this site of a hotel, nursing home and tourist development to facilitate the construction of a local GAA pitch on the 16 acre site. This was in the face of strenuous opposition from the National Roads Authority, planners and county manager, who warned that there could be road fatalities because of the rezoning. Planners put forward 14 separate reasons why the site should not be rezoned, including safety and environmental concerns. The site is on the N81 Tallaght - Blessington Road, which has been identified as the most dangerous in the country. An expected road realignment is likely to go through the site, councillors heard, and the rezoning would increase the compensation costs of land acquisition, councillors were told, which they could be personally liable for.