Minutes:
The Chief Executive’s Report and Recommendation pursuant to Section 179 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000 (as amended) and Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) as circulated to the Members.
Nature and Extent of Development
Development of 12 houses
Location of the Development
Páirceanna an Bhaile, Townparks, Carrick-on-Shannon.
The Council has complied with the Requirements of the Regulations in respect of the proposed development and a necessary public notice was published in accordance with the Regulations. It is proposed to proceed with the works listed.
On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Finola Armstrong McGuire
SECONDED by Cllr. Enda Stenson
It was AGREED that Leitrim County Council proceed with the works in accordance with the approved plans.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said she had read the documentation she received, has engaged with people in regard to this development and said people in general are in agreement with it.
Councillor Des Guckian stated that although he is in favour of proposed Social Housing development he had reservations with the map attached to the documentation. He proposed that the access route off the main road be widened to make it safer for vehicles coming up and down this route. He also expressed his disappointment that an Environment Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment are not required in this instance.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly, advised that the map contained in the Part 8 documentation is from the Carrick-on-Shannon Local Area Plan. Mr Gilhooly confirmed that the Carrick on Shannon Local Area Plan 2010-2019 acknowledges the need to increase the supply of social housing and sets this out in Policy 3.1b – It is the policy of the Council to accommodate social and affordable housing needs through the range of measures available, including purchase, the long-term leasing scheme, the rental accommodation scheme and construction where appropriate, subject to available funding.
Mr Gilhooly advised that the proposed scheme adheres to the policy framework provided for in the Carrick on Shannon Local Area Plan 2010-2019. The design is considered appropriate and the layout and design is the culmination of an extensive design development. All matters pertaining to Flood Risk Assessment, Appropriate Assessment, archaeology and servicing have been addressed through the documentation submitted with the Part 8 application. The development will not adversely impact upon the receiving environment and therefore the development adheres to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Mr Gilhooly said the access road was assessed as part of the design process and it is not intended to be a through road, and he said alternating the road could be unproductive.
Mr Justin Fallon, Senior Executive Officer, advised the access road to the proposed development site is via the existing Autumn View junction on the Summerhill Road. Road alignment at this junction allows of excellent lines of visibility in both directions. Given the fact that the proposed development will contain a higher volume of traffic than the existing Autumn View development, the access road has been designed accordingly to National Road Authority standards.
Ms Vivienne Egan, Senior Executive Planner, outlined that the Planning Authority has had regard for the need to undertake a screening process for sub-threshold EIA development as set out in Article 103(1) of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001-2020. An EIA Screening report has been prepared by Traynor Environmental Ltd. The report determines that the development is sub threshold and that the site is not sensitive in terms of the receiving environment or surrounding receptors and that the development will not have significant impacts to warrant an EIAR. The Planning Authority is satisfied that an EIAR is not required.
Ms Egan, said that the NATURA 2000 sites are protected habitats for flora and fauna of European importance. They comprise Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), designated under the Birds Directive. In line with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora; the Planning and Development Act 2010; and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011) an Appropriate Assessment Screening Statement was prepared by Whitehill Environmental. There are no European Sites within 15 km of the proposed development site. The screening exercise concluded that there is no potential for significant impacts on the Natura 2000 sites. A Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not deemed to be required.
Ms Egan outlined the Part 8 planning application for a residential development of 12 no. dwelling units at Autumn View, Summerhill, Townparks, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim seeks to provide social housing for the area in accordance with government policy and in recognition of the local need in this respect. The proposed scheme is located in a central area close to existing amenities within the town development boundary of Carrick on Shannon on land which has access to all mains services. The proposals are in line with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development and comply in all respects to local and national policy. This development will consolidate the urban core of Carrick on Shannon and strengthen the town as a whole.
Councillor Des Guckian said for further Part 8 developments he would like to see that EIA’s and AA’s are required.