*Beechpark.
PLANS for major renovations by Clare County Council at their machinery yard in Beechpark have been lodged for a second time.
“A typographical error”, had previously caused the plans for the Ennis yard to be withdrawn.
A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, “The initial planning application was withdrawn after a typographical error was identified”. An amended planning application was re-advertised in The Clare Champion.
Plans include the construction of a new 162 metre squared shed located at the rear (north) of the site plus the reroofing and recladding of the existing warehouse and office building.
Located in Beechpark, the machinery yard is used for the storage of Council vehicles and machinery such as salt spreaders and gritters used to treat icy conditions on roads.
Forty-seven new car parking spaces are planned for the development which also includes seven van parking spaces, seven rigid lorry bays, three articulated lorry parking bays and two disabled parking spaces. Nine EV charging spaces are also part of the application.
Other renewable energy aspects to the development are also present in the plans, including the installation of solar panels on the southwest-facing side of the main warehouse and office building. A new rainwater harvesting system and surface water attenuation area are also planned.
These additions are in line with the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 which aims to “ensure that key assets such as the natural and built environment are protected and enhanced, and that the Council ensures the resilience to climate change of infrastructural assets”.
An EIA screening report carried out found that “The construction and operational stage of the proposed development will not impact on surface water quality. No potential for noise pollution is identified. It is concluded that the nature of the proposed development is not considered to have likely significant effects on the environment”.
The existing boundary fencing at the site is to be replaced by new fencing and a new sliding entry gate to control entry and exit from the site. The site also houses a large number of books for the Clare Libraries service and a “provision of service area for mobile library” van is planned.
The application states that “no significant effects on the environment are likely as a result of the proposed development and that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required”, following a period of environmental screening at the site by Clare County Council.
A decision on the proposed development is due by July 13th, with submissions and objections accepted up until June 27th.
