Cork GAA club asks council to see ‘bigger picture’ on new road

A Cork GAA club has accused Cork City Council of failing to see the “big picture” in refusing planning permission for a proposed new access road to the club’s grounds.

In June, Douglas Hurling and Football Club lodged a planning application with the council seeking permission for the construction of a proposed new pitch — which would involve the extension of an existing pitch, pitch number three — along with a new access road and junction off Inchvale Road to the rear of the existing club.

The planning application also sought permission for the construction of a set-down parking area and turning area as well as floodlighting, ball-stopping nets, fencing and supports, connections to adjacent lands, and ancillary works.

Submissions

Numerous submissions and objections were lodged with the city council in relation to the planning application, with many highlighting the proposed new access road as a key concern.

Cork City Council, in a request for further information, stated that the applicant had “not provided a reasonable justification for the proposed access road” and invited the applicant to submit revised plans for the proposed extension of pitch three which would only be served via a pedestrian access extended from pitch two.

The response letter on behalf of the applicants said it was “unfortunate” that the council was of the view that the applicant had not provided reasonable justification for the proposed new access road. “As mentioned in the supporting planning statement and associated documentation, the access is to serve the proposed development as well as facilitate access to residentially zoned lands which otherwise will be inaccessible,” it said.

The response also highlighted a number of issues, apart from access for development purposes, which the applicants asserted required access at this end of the pitch, including the quicker access of emergency services personnel in the event of an incident.

In granting conditional planning for the proposed new pitch last month, Cork City Council said the club does not have permission for the access road and junction off Inchvale Road and the construction of a set-down parking area, turning area, and connections to adjacent lands.

Appeal

The first-party appeal has now urged An Bord Pleanála to overturn the council’s decision to refuse permission for the new access road, again asserting that the access is needed on health and safety grounds, to unlock residentially zoned lands next to the club, and for access during construction of the new pitch.

“It is considered that the local authority has failed to see the big picture planning gain of providing much-needed access at this location,” the appeal stated.

“Once again the board is appealed upon to overturn the decision of the local authority to refuse development at this location as it would appear to be parish politics at play.”

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on the case by mid-June.