Concerns for Brent goose help block 580 new homes in Dublin

"However, in its ruling, ACP has refused planning permission on three grounds and two of the reasons for refusal relate to the light-bellied Brent goose, a winter migrant from high-Arctic Canada. Most fly here between October and April. ACP has issued a refusal as the scheme would materially contravene a number of policies in the Dublin City Development Plan for the protection of European sites from a conservation point of view."

"The commission also refused planning permission as the Dublin City Development Plan requires that large-scale developments over 10,000 sqm must provide a minimum of 5pc community, arts and culture spaces as part of the development. The commission found the scheme does not provide for any such floor area and as a result the application materially contravenes an objective of the Dublin City Development Plan."

"The ACP refusal is the latest twist in the long-running planning saga for the site since it was purchased by Patrick Crean in 2015. In the High Court in May 2021, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys noted that the proposed development at the site has so far clocked up four decisions by An Bord Pleanála and 10 sets of legal proceedings, "and counting"."

An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) upheld a refusal of planning permission for Marlet Group subsidiary Raheny 3 Ltd Partnership, reinforcing a Dublin City Council decision from October 2022. ACP refused permission on three grounds, two of which concern potential impacts on the light-bellied Brent goose, a winter migrant from high-Arctic Canada. The commission found the scheme would materially contravene Dublin City Development Plan policies protecting European sites and noted the development failed to provide the mandatory minimum 5% community, arts and culture floor area for large-scale projects over 10,000 sqm. The case has involved multiple appeals and court proceedings since the site's 2015 purchase.

Read at Irish Independent