Plans lodged to alter equestrian centre development in Rathcoole

By Aideen O’Flaherty

PERMISSION is being sought for alterations to an existing grant of planning permission for an agricultural equestrian centre in Rathcoole.

Applicant Lucy McCarthy received permission for the development of the centre last May, with plans for the centre to contain 50 stables across a 1.45-hectare site located in Rathcreedan in Rathcoole.

In its decision to grant permission for the development last spring, South Dublin County Council outlined a number of conditions.

These conditions included the prohibition of eventing or riding school activities without prior planning permission, and the sale of horses on site through auction.

It was also stipulated that all roofs must be finished in non-reflective material in the interest of visual amenity.

In her current application, Ms McCarthy is looking for alterations to her previous application, including the merging of two planned structures and drainage adjustments.

The submission contains plans for the previously granted two-block stable buildings, providing 52 stables and an adjacent indoor exercise area, to be joined into one building measuring 2,676 sq. m, and 8.27-metres high.

The applicant is also seeking permission for the reconfiguration of the associated dungstead at its original location, with provisions for associated adjustments to drainage due to building footprint adjustments.

It is noted in the application that all of the other details relating to the applicant’s original application for planning permission, including site access, the welfare building, a machinery park/shelter building, site boundaries, an on-site soakway and foul sewer, drainage and outfall, remain unchanged.

A decision on the current application is due from South Dublin County Council by March 29.