Department of Education appeals council decision to refuse retention permission

THE Department of Education has appealed South Dublin County Council’s decision to refuse retention permission for a canopy at Lucan East Educate Together National School.

Last October, the Department lodged a planning application for retention of construction of a canopy structure to the west of the main school building.

On March 31 last, the council refused retention permission because the height, scale and proximity of the canopy to the adjoining residential properties, would result in “an overbearing impact”.

As a result, the structure “would adversely affect the immediate residential amenity” and would be contrary to the “proper planning and sustainable development of the area”, according to the council.

On April 27 last, the Department submitted an appeal against South Dublin County Council’s decision.

In their appeal, they said they would provide mitigating factors in relation to the height of the structure, including lowering the height of the entire structure by 300mm.

They also proposed planting a “green wall of climbing plants” along the exterior of the structure, facing the dwellings within the vicinity of the canopy.

The appeal also included statements from the principal of Lucan East ETNS and the parents’ association detailing the importance of the structure to the school community.

The appellant added that no submissions or objections had been lodged on the original planning application, which they said could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of “the importance that this facility provides for the students”.

A decision on the appeal has not yet been made by An Bord Pleanála.