Planning permission for the conversion of a former cigar factory in Roscommon to a new recycling centre has been upheld by the higher planning body. An appeal was lodged against the permission last year over a number of concerns such as smell, fire risk and vermin control. Seán Curran had applied for permission for the change of use of the former factory in Ballaghaderreen, receiving the go ahead in February last year. Plans include the provision of 24 new car parking spaces, 4 EV charging spaces, 2 truck spaces and one accessible parking space, along with a covered bicycle stand for 20 bikes. The development would be surrounded by a perimeter security fence with access gates and weighbridges. The application was the subject of several submissions from locals highlighting their concerns over issues such as smell, traffic levels, fire risk and vermin control.
In a decision from An Bord Pleanála, senior planners upheld the permission granted by Roscommon County Council. The order from the higher planning authority stated that the development did not impact the visual amenity of the area and would integrate appropriately. The decision also amended planning conditions, with 16 attached to the permission. These included the requirement that all recycling materials be stored, segregated, processed and baled within the enclosed factory building in the interest of the visual amenity.
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