Latest news with #EcologicalImpactAssessment
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Plans for holiday lodges in Galway hotel get the green light despite objections
The construction of seven holiday homes at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Bushypark has been approved by Galway County Council. The project would see the new houses front onto the N59, to the right of the existing access gate. After being put forward back in July 2024, the plans faced a number of objections which raised concerns over the impact on traffic as well as the environment, as the plans would require the felling of trees. An objection from Gus and Noreen Kelehan said: 'No consultation with the neighbours was entered into by the developers that might have resulted in a mutually agreeable proposal.' They added further concerns over traffic safety, saying: 'This section of main road is consistently flagged as having limited sight visibility. 'We consider the proposed development as increasing the intensity and danger at this section of road if permitted.' Another resident, John Connell, also said that the development could pose a safety risk to the road, as he cited the increased speed limit from 50kmh to 60kmh along the section of road and said: 'The development would likely result in an increase in traffic which, in turn, would heighten the risk of collisions on the N59.' Meanwhile Martin and Orla Hughes raised concerns over the environmental impact, citing wildlife such as the barn owl and bat population as potential victims of the development. The objection read: 'While there has been a substantial environmental impact survey submitted with this planning application, all the surveys were completed after two mature trees were felled in the area of the proposed development. The felling of these trees would alter findings of any survey carried out the following month and were not noted in the environmental reports. 'Barn owls have been noted in the area but are omitted from [the report]. Was the walk for the bird species carried out during the day, as there is no date or time listed for this survey? No nocturnal species other than bats have been noted in the report and species that have been seen in the area are on the Red List and are species of huge importance.' ADVERTISEMENT Galway County Council have greenlit the plans under including adherence to construction mitigation measures set out in the Natura Impact Statement and Ecological Impact Assessment in order to protect the site. One condition also stipulated that developers provide a traffic management plan 'in the interest of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and in the interest of traffic safety'. In total, the council attached 19 conditions to the approval of the development.
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cotters Park: Glamping site 'a field of nightmares' for residents
A County Antrim 'glamping' site is under investigation by a local council following allegations it has breached planning Park, near Randalstown, was pitched to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as "a back-to-nature, sustainable" food-tourism people living nearby have described it as a "noisy party venue" and a "field of nightmares".A Cotters Park spokesperson said they "completed a robust planning process" and that they are "facilitating environmentally responsible" tourism for the area. The owners of Cotters Park had originally pitched a 'food-tourism concept' where visitors could attend cookery demonstration nights hosted by local chefs.A planning statement said guests would get an "opportunity to sample local produce" and "purchase produce from the local farm shop".However, since opening in December 2023, it has hosted hen parties, a wedding and other events with DJs, bands and live were not listed as potential uses in the original planning application and Cotters Park did not deny they had taken place when asked by BBC media posts offered "catering, entertainment, bar services etc" but Cotters Park didn't have an entertainment licence.A cabin was also built in the middle of an island on the site which the developer said would "remain intact" for the benefit of cabin was promoted on social media as "a bar and events space" or "party room on the island".Residents say it at times adopted "a Love Island theme". The Residents Opposed to Cotters Park group said: "What has been built bears little or no resemblance to what planning permission was granted in terms of scale and usage".The site was given planning permission for six pods and a welcome centre but there are currently seven pods available as accommodation on are also saunas, hot tubs and other units which were not originally Park is applying for retrospective planning permission to retain those. Neighbours have also compared the site to an airport's landing strip and say its festooned lights are having "a significant adverse impact on the rural character of the area".They have complained that neon lights on the front of cabins are having an impact on Ecological Impact Assessment published in February found "the numbers of bats and levels of activity have declined dramatically..."This is due in large part to the current amenity lighting arrangements, which are unsatisfactory," the report said. 'A living nightmare' Bernie Crossan is a member of the local opposition group and said the developer "has engaged in virtually unconstrained development of the site, far beyond the planning permission that was granted"."The facility has turned into a living nightmare for many local residents who have lived in the area for many years," Ms Crossan said."We now need the local Council to intervene as soon as possible to end this nightmare," she and Newtownabbey Borough Council confirmed the site remains under enforcement investigation.A spokesperson added: "The council takes all matters of enforcement seriously and cannot provide specific details of the investigation... as it may have an adverse impact upon any legal proceedings." Local politician 'somewhat misled' The Alliance Party MLA John Blair previously supported the development but said he feels "somewhat misled" about its intended use."Clearly, what has transpired is very different to what was promised to me at the outset," he told BBC News NI."Neon lights, party themes, music on site and light pollution are far removed from what I expected. In addition, an island, originally highlighted to me as a nature feature, has now been built upon."Mr Blair said the development "is neither suitable or proportionate in terms of sustainable rural development and rural economy". 'Committed to environmental stewardship' A Cotters Park spokesperson said they "completed a robust planning process"."The council conducted an inspection of Cotters Park and found that permitted cabins comply with planning approval and Caravan Act requirements. Cotters Park is engaged with the council on a further planning application for the site," they added."Historic social media references to bar, events or party space at the site have been removed and a liquor license is not required as alcohol is not supplied at Cotters Park."Cotters Park said they have now installed "red bulbed, low-wattage and hooded lighting to enhance wildlife and bat activity in the area".The spokesperson added that Cotters Park is committed to environmental stewardship and that they have invested in ways to support local habitat including the installation of owl, bird and bat nesting."Ecology reports confirm that hedgerows, pond and other vegetation of considerable biodiversity value and conservation importance have been retained and enhanced at greater value to wildlife at the site."The spokesperson added: "Drinks packages are not offered at Cotters Park and there is a Noise Management Plan in place at the site."
