Cork soccer club refused planning due to 'negative impact' on nearby Charles Fort

An upgrade plan for Kinsale AFC has been refused planning permission by An Coimisiún Pleanála due to what it claimed would be the negative impact it would have on the nearby Charles Fort tourist attraction.

Kinsale AFC had sought planning permission for the upgrading of its existing playing pitch facilities.

The works were to involve the conversion of the east (top) pitch, from grass to an all-weather playing surface.

It also included ancillary works — the installation of six 15.2m floodlights, surface water drainage, the replacement of existing post and wire fencing with 1.2m-high spectator fencing, and all associated site development works, at Madden Park, Forthill, Kinsale.

An Coimisiún Pleanála ruled that the proposed development “would be visually obtrusive and dominant and would negatively impact on the historic setting of Charles Fort.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“In deciding not to accept the inspector’s recommendation to grant permission for the all-weather facilities, the Commission considered that Charles Fort is a highly sensitive area from a visual impact perspective.”

It added that “the type, height, and extent of the proposed metal fencing enclosing the upper-level pitch proximate to the entrance to the fort and the scenic route would fail to maintain the existing open character of the area, and would impact to an unacceptable degree on the visual amenity of the nationally-significant complex of buildings at Charles Fort and the surrounding high value landscape”.

A statement from Kinsale AFC said that the club can overcome this challenge and build a sustainable future for football in Kinsale.

“Kinsale AFC is disappointed with the recent decision regarding our proposed development of a full-size artificial grass pitch with floodlights on the top pitch at Madden Park, Charles Fort.

“Although this decision is a setback, it does not diminish our commitment. Kinsale AFC will continue to explore all options to deliver the facilities our players and community deserve.

“We will keep engaging with all stakeholders and work towards a solution that benefits Kinsale. We ask our members, supporters and the wider community to continue backing us as we move forward.”

Kinsale AFC added: “We fully understand the urgency, owing to the continuous County Development plan policies, to grow the population of the town and environs, to provide modern sports facilities now and for the future, to cater for the expanding population’s amenity needs.

“Our aim always has been to provide a safe, modern and inclusive environment, where young people can grow as footballers and wider members of the community.

“Better facilities would allow us to expand participation, improve training opportunities and secure a strong future for the club.”