Ratoath College planning refusal overturned

Plans for a 425-student extension to Ratoath College have been given the green light by An Bord Pleanala. The authority has overturned Meath County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the extension to the school following an appeal by Co Meath VEC.
In March, Meath County Council shot down plans for the 3,288sq metre two-storey extension to the school over fears it could create a “serious traffic hazard” due to the extra traffic that would be generated, where the road network is constrained.
The proposed extension was to provide 25 new teaching spaces, a special needs unit and 14 car parking spaces at Jamestown, Ratoath.
Residents of Milltree Park had objected to the plans and have highlighted concerns over the speed and volume of cars going to and from school which make it dangerous and difficult to exit their houses in the morning.
They fear that the dangers would increase rapidly due to extra traffic resulting from the extension.
The planning refusal was met by anger and disappointment from the then Meath VEC (now Louth Meath Education and Training Board) and local parents.
However, following the appeal, the decision to refuse permission has been overturned. In making its decision to grant permission for the extension, An Bord Pleanala found that the proposed development would “not adversely affect the residential or visual amenity of the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic and parking, water and drainage”.
A number of conditions have been set out including that a traffic management plan be submitted and agreed in writing with the planning authority before commencement of the development.