HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660170 - Submission - [E] Walter Reed No 2Submission Details
Submitter
Name Walter Reed
Address Drumguff Newbliss Co. Monaghan H18X372
Note Please see attached pdf for details
In relation to application
File Number 2660170
Name Sarsfields GFC Killeevan
Address Guardhill & Lisalea Newbliss Co. Monaghan RECEIVED: 01/06/2026
Planning Objection Submission
Your Name: Walter Reed
Your Address: Drumguff, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan
Date: 28/05/26
Re: Objection to Planning Application Amendments– [2660170]
Location: Proposed football field, associated buildings, and car parking facilities at lands
opposite my residence in Newbliss, Co. Monaghan
Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to make a formal submission objecting to the above planning application amendments.
I understand this application relates to revisions to a previously proposed sports facility
development, including amendments to the indoor playing arena, site layout, and access
arrangements. While I acknowledge that the principle of development may already have been
considered, I am deeply concerned that the proposed revisions will intensify the impact on
nearby residential properties, particularly my home, located opposite the site. My objection is
based on material planning considerations, in line with the Planning and Development Act 2000
(as amended), specifically the requirement to protect residential amenity and ensure proper
planning and sustainable development.
Impact on Residential Amenity – Noise
The revised development will result in a significant intensification of noise levels, which will
directly impact my home. The nature of the development (sports facility and indoor playing
arena) will generate:
• Continuous and intermittent noise from training sessions and matches
• Raised voices, shouting, and crowd noise
• Vehicle movements and congregation before and after events
Given the proximity of the development, these impacts will not be occasional but frequent and
prolonged, particularly during evenings and weekends. The proposed revisions are likely to
increase capacity and frequency of use, and also extend activity into evening/night-time periods.
This represents a material worsening of impact on residential amenity compared to what would
reasonably be expected in this location. Under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act,
the Planning Authority is required to consider the effect on the amenities of nearby properties, RECEIVED: 01/06/2026
including noise impacts. I submit that the level of noise generated would seriously injure the
residential amenities of my dwelling and is therefore contrary to proper planning.
Light Pollution and Visual Impact
The installation of floodlighting raises serious concerns under both amenity and environmental
considerations. The changes within the revision make the impacts even more significant on my
home. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage guidance on public lighting
and environmental impact highlights the need to control light spill and protect residential
properties and biodiversity. Given the revised design and layout, the floodlighting associated
with this sports facility would have the following effects:
• Intrusive glare affecting my home and nearby homes
• Prolonged illumination during evening/night hours
• Loss of dark skies in rural / residential setting
• Adverse effects on local wildlife and rural character, especially our bat inhabitants
• Disturbance to sleep patterns and family life
This constitutes a deterioration of existing residential conditions. The guidance mandates for
Habitat Protection, particularly preventing direct illumination of sensitive ecological corridors,
such as hedgerows (for bat flight paths) and waterways (which act as barriers to migratory fish).
The closer location of the floodlighting to my home would undermine the existing environment
and is contrary to good planning practice which seeks to preserve residential amenity and
protect rural character. Irish planning guidance requires that external lighting be carefully
controlled to prevent nuisance and protect residential amenity, which does not appear to be
adequately demonstrated in this application.
Intensification of Activity through Site Layout Changes
Under the Spatial Planning and National Roads Guidelines (2012) and general planning
principles, developments must ensure safe access and not compromise road safety. The
application proposes amendments to the site layout and entrance onto the public road,
indicating an increase or redistribution of activity.
The combined effect of increased usage, concentrated access points and event-related traffic
will contribute further to:
• Noise
• Disturbance
• General activity levels near my home. RECEIVED: 01/06/2026
This will generate an increase in traffic congestion and potential safety risks for pedestrians and
residents.
Environmental Protection
Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act, and the broader EIA Directive, also requires
consideration of environmental impacts. Following the changes to the layout this development
now has greater impact on the surrounding environment, particularly regarding noise pollution
and the local river.
The revised development raises concerns regarding:
• Loss of greenfield land and potential biodiversity
• Increased noise and disturbance in a currently low-impact area
• Surface water runoff from hard surfaces to surrounding areas (car park and buildings)
These issues are inconsistent with the National Planning Framework (Project Ireland 2040),
which promotes sustainable and environmentally sensitive development and protection of rural
landscapes.
Incompatibility with Local Development Plan and Sustainable Development
Monaghan County Development Plan policies (current plan period) place strong emphasis on:
• Protecting residential amenity
• Ensuring developments are compatible with surrounding land use
• Promoting proper siting of community facilities
• Safeguarding rural character and environment
The scale, intensity, and nature of this development in the revised layout are not appropriate so
close to established residential properties and to the main road, and therefore conflict with
these policy objectives.
Precedent and Overdevelopment
Granting permission for this development revision in such proximity to residential properties
would:
• Set an undesirable planning precedent
• Encourage further expansion of non-residential uses in the area
• Lead to incremental degradation of residential conditions
This is contrary to the requirement for proper planning and coherent land-use zoning principles. RECEIVED: 01/06/2026
I submit that:
• The intensification of noise and lighting impacts
• The proximity to existing dwellings
• The lack of detailed mitigation measures
all indicate that the proposed revisions are not appropriate for this location and would result in
significant adverse effects on residential amenity.
Request to the Planning Authority
Considering the above, I respectfully request that the Planning Authority:
• Refuse planning permission for these revisions on the grounds that the proposal:
o Would seriously injure residential amenity
o Would result in unacceptable noise and light pollution
o Endanger public safety due to traffic congestion
o Be visually and environmentally intrusive
o Be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area
Alternatively, should the Council consider granting permission, I request that it be subject to
stringent conditions, including:
• Strict limits on hours of use
• Prohibition or strict control of floodlighting
• Comprehensive noise mitigation measures
• A detailed traffic management plan
Conclusion
While I recognise the value of community sports infrastructure, the revised elements of this
application significantly increase the impact on nearby residents, particularly in terms of noise
and lighting, which are fundamental to residential amenity.
I respectfully request that the Planning Authority consider these concerns and refuse permission
for the proposed amendments.
Yours faithfully,
Walter Reed RECEIVED: 01/06/2026