DAVIDSTOWN PLAN APPEAL
AN APPEAL has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála against Wexford County Council’s refusal of planning permission for 12 houses and a shop in Davidstown, Enniscorthy, on the grounds that the area’s sewage and waste water treatment plant is at capacity and needs to be upgraded before the development can go ahead.
The senior executive planner James Lavin noted that the proposal by applicant Aidan Kenny was ‘ broadly acceptable’ but was ‘premature’ pending improvements in local waste facilities.
Mr Kenny lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála, which is due to be decided by June 7 next.
Planning permission is sought for 12 four-bedroom, two storey detached houses and a 233 square metre single story local shop on a site in the townland of Ballygillistown, The Leap opposite St David’s Church, along with associated engineering works including connection to and provision for the upgrade of Davidstown sewage treatment works.
The site which was inspected by assistant planner David Wall is in the centre of Davidstown village with a housing estate on the opposite side of the road containing 30 houses and there is no current shop.
The existing Davidstown waste water treatment plant has a population equivalent of 125 and is at capacity. It currently discharges to Davidstown Stream and in turn to the Boro River which forms part of the Slaney River Valley special area of conservation.
The developement would result in an additional population equivalent of 75 people which would result in an overload situation, according to planners.
It was noted that the developer indicated he is willing to contribute towards upgrading the treatment system but this would require the consent of Irish Water and an amended discharge licence from the EPA.
Planners said it was questionable whether Davidstown Stream has enough capacity to deal with the additional pressure. ‘On this basis, the proposal would, by itself and through cumulative impacts, negatively impact on Slaney River Valley SAC,’ they said.
It was considered that the development would not adversely affect a nearby church and graveyard which are protected structures and it was decided an archaeological assessment is not needed on a burial urn about 50 metres away.
Planning officials said it was agreed in consultations with the Council’s water department that it would be ‘unacceptable’ to connect to the adjoining treatment plant due to insufficient capacity and therefore the development would negatively impact on the Natura 2000 site located downstream.
‘From a planning perspective it would be premature to recommend the granting of planning permission and therefore a subsequent connection to the public sewer until Irish Water carry out an upgrade with an amended discharge licence from the EPA’ said Mr Wall.
In refusing permission, Mr Lavin also said it was unacceptable to locate sewer and surface water lines including manholes on private open space.‘ The proposed development of 12 additional residential dwelling units is therefore premature due to the lack of infrastructural facilities and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.’ he said, noting the absence of a Natura Impact Statement.