Financial Conditions Attaching To Ballitore Sand & Gravel Pit Appealed To An Bord Pleanala.

A decision is due in December

Financial conditions imposed on Ballitore planning permission have been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

Noel Lawler Sand and Gravel limited was granted 20 year permission for the infilling of an existing and future quarry void with inert soil and stone in order to return the land to a beneficial use (agriculture) over an area of approximately 18.95 ha in Portersize and Ballitore.

Kildare County Council included, in the conditions, a requirement for development contribution in the region of €350,000.

The firm has referred that sum to the national planning authority, here

An Bord Pleanala is due to issue a decision on December 3rd.

Development Contributions notice attaching to the planning permission, issued by Kildare County Council:

The development description, as published by Kildare County Council, is:

"A twenty-year planning permission for the infilling of an existing and future quarry void (Ref: 07/723 and 17/1107) with inert soil and stone in order to return the land to a beneficial use (agriculture) over an area of approximately 18.95 ha in the townlands of Portersize and Timolin, Ballitore, Co. Kildare. The void will be infilled with approximately 1,299,791 m3 of inert material. The proposed development also includes for the following: Infill, grading and restoration of two settlement ponds, totalling 1.065 ha (two settlement pond areas in NW of site approximately 0.788 and 0.277 ha). Restoration of three smaller ponds, totaling 0.44 ha, in order to provide an area of aquatic habitat (three ponds are approximately 0.321, 0.0835 and 0.0358 ha). Planting of a raised soil bund with native tree species, along northern site boundary (planting area approximately 0.48 ha). Grading of a pre-existing soil mound at the site entrance (approximately 1.11 ha). Development and management of an artificial sand martin nesting site, to replace the existing nesting location identified in the soil mound at site entrance. Construction of a soil quarantine shed (approximately 180m2 in area, 15m height), inspection area and re-fuelling area (hardstanding) located north of the existing site office (approximately hardstanding area – 400m2). Associated minor works to include site access road improvements (resurfacing), upgrade of drainage infrastructure including new fuel/oil interceptor and surface drains on hardstanding, refurbishment/repair of existing site office and weighbridge. The proposed development also includes for all other site development works and services ancillary to the proposed development. A waste licence is required for the proposed development. The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). Development