FAO: Draft Development Team
I wish to make a submission in relation to the proposed alteration to the Draft Development Plan 2023-2029, reference PA SH 7.1 to amend the zoning from RU-Rural to GE-General Employment on the lands at Turvey Avenue, Donabate. As a home owner of one of the properties REDACTED all my life I am directly impacted by any proposals to develop these lands.
When the motion proposing the alteration of the land zoning was put to the members at its meeting on 12th October last, contrary to statements made by an elected representative, none of the views of the opposing residents, of which they are the majority, had been sought out or listened to. The discussions which took place were from one viewpoint, a one-sided debate favouring the current GE zoning. No consideration was afforded to the majority of residents living in the adjacent Rural Cluster and the financial loss they would incur on the value of their homes should development take place. Based on the absence of the views of the opposing residents, the debate was flawed, therefore claims that the democratic process worked in this instance is totally subjective.
As reflected in the reason given for the most recent refusal of planning permission by Fingal County Council, having regard to the proximity of the site: ‘The proposed development would, therefore, seriously injure the amenities, of property in the vicinity and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.’
The rezoning status of the land to RU will not prevent much needed planned development at this location as there is an unlimited amount of development lands south of this site which would be much more suited to the type of development which is proposed. Additional, as the most recent planning application states the maximum number of employees will be 3, there will be no requirement to promote new local employment opportunities which is one of the objectives of the GE-General Employment.
My reasons for supporting the upholding of the rezoning of this land from GE-RU are:
- To protect the Rural Cluster of dwellings located on the northern side of the land which is of upmost importance to the residents. A number of these dwellings date back to the mid- 1920’s and 1940’s and many have been in generations of families, one recorded as being from further back as the mid-19th century. The architectural aspect of these houses and the collective community effort of its residents to maintain and improve their surroundings would be severely impacted and devalued should future development take place on the land as currently zoned.
- To protect and preserve the sensitive nature of the proposed rezoned land, its river which runs through the land to Newbridge Demesne and onward to Malahide Estuary and the wildlife which inhabits the area which are all hugely important to the environment.
- To ensure no increased risk of flooding of the surrounding businesses and residential dwellings as a result of any future development of this land which would disrupt the function of the natural flood plain.
- To protect and preserve the natural habitat of flora and fauna among the hedgerows and green banks. These habitats would be destroyed to facilitate entry to the land in the event of future development. The community effort to look after, replant, maintain and improve their public space is obvious to all those who pass by. See Photos attached.
In summary, I request that the zoning from GE to Rural be upheld in line with the Draft Development Plan and approved by the CE in the July 2022 report.
Yours sincerely,
Geraldine Foley
