REFUSED: Ambitious plans for old Kilkenny creamery site rejected by planners

Planning permission has been refused to change the use of a derelict creamery building at Coolehill Upper in Windgap, County Kilkenny into a mixed-use development of short-term tourist accommodation, communal spaces and an apartment.

Permission had also been sought as part of the application for additional infrastructure, including: a new vehicular entrance from the R698 public road, bicycle parking, 11 car parking spaces, provision of 18 motorhome ‘aire’ spaces and associated facilities.

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The local authority gave four reasons/considerations for their decision to refuse planning permission.

One of those reasons was their opinion that ‘there is a high potential for groundwater contamination’.

Another stated that ‘the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed development would not give rise to flood risk’.

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There were also concerns raised over the proposed footpath, with planners stating the applicant ‘failed to demonstrate’ a satisfactory proposal for a footpath design to connect the proposed development to the existing footpath north of the site.

Concerns were also raised in relation to the ‘potential hydrological connections with the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation and Lower River Suir Special Area of Conservation.

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The applicant retains the ability to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

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