Camp site near Killeshandra refused

Planners have rejected an application to use lands near Lough Oughter for holidaying and recreational use.

Keen angler Yuri Mushinski had sought permission for the development on a circa 2.55 hectare site at Drumard, Lough Oughter. His plans outlined how he intended using it to allow “occasional” camping, caravanning, holidaying and recreational breaks take place.

The application stated that “no more” than two caravans and two tents would be allowed on site at any one time during a calendar year.

It also said that “periodic and intermittent stays for recreational purposes” would be allowed for no more than 120 days per calendar year, primarily in the Summer months.

“The principal use of the lands being maintained and continued for agricultural purposes for the growing of fruit and vegetables for consumption and use by the landowner and family members,” the application stated.

The applicant also referred to a stated objective in the Cavan County Development Plan to encourage recreational tourism uses and the investment in the economy that they bring to the local area.

A number of submissions were made in response to Mr Mushinski’s application.

The owner of Drumard House, David Couse, expressed concern on grounds of “privacy” saying that the applicant’s caravan was already overlooking his house.

“For the last three years now, I have found myself completely overlooked by the current owners of this field who inhabit it whenever they choose for however long they choose.”

Mr Couse also pointed out that the site/field, known locally as ‘the clump’, includes a historic fort.

Another neighbour Padraig Ruddy, and others, signed a letter to highlight how, in the past, the Department of the Environment and Local Government had written to all property owners in the area informing them of the SAC designation and restrictions.

They state that since Mr Mushinski “purchased the site for agricultural practices” what was a traditional hay meadow is now used for “intensive silage making”.

‘This has affected the documented plant life and has changed the site ecosystem,’ the letter claims.

They add that Mr Mushinski “cannot claim a housing need” as the applicant already has a house in Dublin.

Mr Ruddy and others also express concern about the potential to expand or scale up the development if initial planning permission is granted.

Correspondence was exchanged between Mr Mushinski and the council regarding the removal and disassembly of a shelter/pergola at the start of 2023, with the formal application for planning submitted then in June.

Cavan County Council cited three reasons in refusing planning permission.

It said that the site at Drumard, Lough Oughter is located in a “scenic and ecologically sensitive area” and the proposal would “materially contravene” the council’s own Tourism objective to protect and conserve the natural, built and cultural heritage features, which add value to the visitor experience in Cavan.

Planners also said that the applicant had failed to suitably demonstrate how it is intended to dispose of on-site wastewater and refuse generated from recreational use and, as such, was not satisfied that the proposed development would not be prejudicial to public health.

Lastly, planners noted the location of the site adjacent to the Lough Oughter & Associated Loughs Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Given the “deficiency in information submitted”, it was considered that the proposed development would “contravene materially” the Cavan County Development Plan.

‘It is considered that the proposed development would not be in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development.’

The applicant is entitled to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.