Political representation and the GAA in the planning process

nuttz

I'm from a strong Hurling county where hurlers are treated as gods.

Now one of these gods, is planning to build a sizeable two-storey (not 1 and half) on an elevated location in front of an existing structure, and also in front of where I would like to build myself in the next while.

Now, the story is that my family own the land on two sides of the plot of land he intends to build on. He made no consultation with my family with regard to his application.

He applied back in August and an objection was put in against the application. his application was refused on two grounds:
1: the house was unsuitable in that location (too big, ignored the pre-planners advise)
2: line of sight at a junction.

Roll on January
He resubmits the application and sorts out the line of sight issue at a junction.
But does nothing about the size/location of the house and the fact it will be an eyesore for miles around.


Anyway, I'm determined that he is not going to build the monstrosity that he intends to, so I went to talk to a retired county engineer to go through the hurlers plans and to try and formulate an objection that will prevent permission being granted.

Now the first thing the planner said at the meeting when looking at the name on the objection was "is that the hurler?"

At the end of the meeting his conclusions are that he should not be granted permission because of the grounds of the first refusal, but if he has had political representation from a local TD (a FG TD in this case), that it is likely permission will be granted. He also commented that coupled with the fact that he is on the county hurling squad, does not look promising.

I am going to appeal to An Bord pleanala if permission is granted but, how can this be right /fair?

smashey

There were two points of refusal in the first application and he would really have to address both of those on the new application and from your post, it would appear that nothing has changed with the house. Who he is or whatever representation he has really shouldn't become an issue.

Have you lodged the objection?

RKQ

I agree with Smashey. Submit your objection as outlined - regarding heigh, mass etc. Check his sight-lines really will work.

An Bord Pleanala will only be interested in Planning Law. A name won't matter to them. Keep your objection to Planning Law, seek Professional advise if necessary but your should pick up a few points in the Planners Notes of the previous refusal - available in the planning file.

Any appeal to An Bord Pleanala IMO should be written by a Professional.