Green light for Kilmihil manufacturing facility

DESPITE concerns expressed by a local resident and the HSE, Clare County Council has given planning permission for a manufacturing facility, which will employ around six people at Lacken, Kilmihil.
The application was made by Fabex Engineering Ltd and local resident Brendan Chambers made an objection.
In his objection, Mr Chambers stated, “I wish to make a strong objection to the proposed planning application by Fabex Engineering, of which our neighbour, William Downes is a director, for the construction of an industrial/commercial business at Lacken, Kilmihil, County Clare, which is a peaceful farming and residential community. This proposed construction would be right next door to my house and against our boundary wall, a distance of approximately 30ft.
“I am astonished that a facility such as this would even be considered for planning approval because apart from the damaging noise levels, the traffic that would emerge from this type of commercial works would create a traffic hazard. As it is, we have seen several traffic accidents on this stretch of road.
“It is inconceivable that the Downes family, who already have eight entrances to their properties, would be given permission for two further entrances on such a small stretch of a hilly and dangerous road, or would be allowed to erect such an eyesore that is practically a small factory and that would prove to be a disturbance to an established community on my doorstep.”
Concern was also expressed in a letter by HSE environmental health officer, Emma O’Donnell.
“Having reviewed the above planning application, I have serious concerns regarding the waste system proposed. I recommend that further information be sought from the applicant regarding the design, installation and maintenance of such a proposal. My concerns regarding this proposal refer to the build-up of methane gas and a secondary alert system in case of alarm failure.
“Further to this, I am concerned that the proposed system may give to malodour and may cause nuisance and annoyance to the local community. Should this system of holding tanks fail, through seepage or overflow, a contingency plan must be in place.”
With regard to the residential amenity of the site, the council’s planning report states, “The proposed development site is located to the north of an existing dwelling. However, this dwelling is in the ownership of the company director and, as such, is not considered to be an issue.
“There are existing dwellings to the east and west of the site also located, with the dwelling to the east located on the adjacent boundary.
“According to the application form, there are to be six to seven people employed on the site with opening hours from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Both dwelling houses are located approximately 60m away from the proposed structure.
“There are concerns with regard to the impact of this proposal on the amenities of the adjoining properties. However, it is considered that these may be addressed by way of condition. As such noise levels shall be conditioned, planting along the western boundary of the site and also the car parking shall be conditioned to be relocated on site.”
The planning report also stated, “The submission from the HSE on file is noted. However, having consulted with the environment section, it is considered that provided the proposed system is properly vented, that the proposal would be acceptable.”
Planning was granted subject to 12 conditions. These included a limit on noise levels and a requirement that the proposed holding tank be properly vented, with details of proposed venting to be submitted for agreement and approval of the planning authority prior to occupation of the unit.