Vehicle inspection centre is given green light by planners
An Bord Pleanála have granted planning permission for the construction of a building for the inspection of vehicles in Castlebar following objections from nearby residents association.
Mayo County Council previously granted planning permission to MDS Commercial Centre Europe for the construction of a building for the inspection of vehicles at Castlebar Retail Park, Breaffy Road, Castlebar.
An appeal against this decision was made to An Bord Pleanála by the Maryland Residents Association from the Maryland estate which is located to the north west of the site of the proposed development. The nearest residential dwelling to the proposed new building is 100m.
There is an existing large HGV commercial property on site, that sells and repairs vehicles. The residents grounds of appeal includes their contention that no permission has been previously sought for use of the current commercial property for sales and the applicant is using the planning process to give “de facto” planning permission for another development not forming part of the original planning application thus circumventing the public consultation process.
Pleanála inspector Darragh Ryan said it would not be appropriate to grant permission for the proposed development in these circumstances.
“On the basis of the submissions made in connection with the planning application and appeal, it appears to the Board that the proposed development relates to a site the use of which is unauthorised for the carrying on of sales of vehicles and that the proposed development would facilitate the consolidation and intensification of this unauthorised use,” reported Mr Ryan.
However, An Bord Pleanála refused the Inspectors recommendation. They said the proposed development was in accordance with the draft Castlebar Local Area Plan 2023-2029 and would not detract from the amenity of adjoining properties if it were compliant with a number of conditions.
