Knocklyon Utd plans to develop all-weather pitches are scuppered

By Laura Lyne

PLANS to develop two all-weather pitches for Knocklyon United have been halted, after being refused permission by An Bord Pleanála.

The plans, which would have seen the development of two all-weather pitches, including flood lighting on Delaford Park in Knocklyon, were previously granted permission by South Dublin County Council on December 10.

A number of appeals were submitted by local residents to An Bord Pleanála following the decision, with over 83 objections submitted to South Dublin County Council on the original application.

Included within the conditions for permission by South Dublin County Council was the omission of the smaller pitch from the plans and a reduction in the size of the primary all-weather pitch.

A reduction in the size of the car parking and the relocation of the parking was also included within the conditions.

In its reasons for refusal, An Bord Pleanála said that the development would “seriously injure the amenities of the properties in this vicinity”.

It said: “It is considered the proposed development would represent the exclusive use of a disproportionate area of the existing Delaford Park by one sectoral interest.”

The compromisation of accessibility to the existing open space for the wider community and the development limiting the potential use for the open space are included within the reasons for refusal.

It is also considered in the refusal that the development of the all-weather pitches would be “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

The proposal is contrary to objectives C12 Objective 3 and C12 Objective 8 of the South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2016-2022 which seek to retain and develop open/green spaces that cater to the needs of the diverse population in the county.

A decision to refuse permission was given by An Bord Pleanála on June 21.