An Bord Pleanála reject an appeal to restore an abandoned sand and gravel quarry in Carlow

An Bord Pleanála reject an appeal by Smith Groundworks and Civil Engineering Works Ltd. who are seeking planning permission to restore an abandoned sand and gravel quarry in Carlow to agricultural grassland.

The proposed restoration at Tinnaclash in Hacketstown would have included backfilling the 6.1 hectares using imported inert soil and stone.

According to An Bord Pleanála, permission for restoration was sought in 2019 as well as in 2021.

Carlow County Council refused their application and they submitted an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

An inspector's report recommended permission be granted subject to conditions.

However, An Bord Pleanála refused permission again for their appeal on 8th January 2024.

They stated 'The Board had regard to the planning history on this site, in particular the determination by the planning authority under Section 261 A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, that the quarry would have required Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment and therefore suitable consent was required. From the information on file, the Board is not satisfied that the requirement for substitute consent has been addressed. 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 planning permission, the Board was not satisfied from the information on file that substitute consent was not required and therefore considered that the proposed development was premature, contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'