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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660060 - F.I. Received Doc. - Application - Cover Letter A: Skervan, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan T: 0863165351 E: ElliottSwetak@gmail.com 26001 12th June 2026 Monaghan County Council, Planning Department, No. 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan H18 X982 Re: Planning Application – 26/60060 Dear Brian In relation to the further information request that was received on the 21st of April 2026 we would like to respond to your requests with the below information, alongside drawings and specifications that should aid you in deciding on this application. 1. Introduction This statement has been prepared to assist discussions with the Planning authority on Further information matters raised as per the letter dated the 21st of April 2026. 2. Further Information matters Point 1 Section 6.15 ‘Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands’ states that ‘Hedgerows are important habitats and wildlife corridors for small mammals, birds and bat species’. Policy GIP 2 also states that ‘any development which impacts on the integrity of existing Green In frastructure shall be resisted, an exception to this may be where compensatory features comprising of native species can be provided’. The Planning Authority notes that the submitted site layout plan indicates ‘large vegetation to the north boundary to be removed in sequence with largening the playing field’ and that low level lighting is proposed along the new walking track Having regard to same, and comments received on the proposal from Monaghan County Council Biodiversity Officer, the applicant is requested to provide additional information which adequately demonstrates that the proposal will not have any adverse ecological impacts generally, and on bats specifically. Response: See attached Ecology report prepared in response to this part of the FI request , which addresses any concerns that the planning authority may have. Point 2 Policy LCP 1 and Section 15.22.4 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025 -2031 stipulates that all development proposals should be accompanied by comprehensive landscaping plan commensurate to the scale of development being proposed. As referenced unde r item 1 above, it is noted that the submitted layout plan states that ‘large vegetation to the north boundary to be removed in sequence with largening the playing field’. No details, however, have been provided with regard to compensatory replanting to offset same. The applicant is therefore requested to provide the following; i. A revised site layout plan indicating proposed tree and hedgerow planting to offset the proposed removal of existing trees and hedgerow along the sites northern boundary. ii. Precise numbers, spacings, heights and types of trees and hedgerow plants to be planted. Species selection should align with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) 2021–2025. Response: See enclosed updated landscaping plan, which demonstrates new additional planting of a tree row and hedge row to the north side of the pitch in place of the old RECEIVED: 15/06/2026 A: Skervan, Smithborough, Co. Monaghan T: 0863165351 E: ElliottSwetak@gmail.com hedgerow, which had overgrown the area over the last number of years. The outstanding areas will be grassed until further development and will likely be used by children on match days. Point 3: Having regard to Section 6.16 ‘Invasive Species’ and associated Policy ISP 1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, and comments received on the proposal from the Council Biodiversity Officer, the applicant is requested to provide additional in formation to demonstrate how the proposed development, including landscaping proposals, will not lead to the spread of invasive species. Response: See enclosed ecology report showing that no invasive species are present on the site where development will be conducted. It is also to be noted that the proposed development will not lead to the spread of invasive species, this will be monitored throughout the construction phase. Point 4 The submitted site layout plan refers to an ‘existing gym building recently constructed’; however, there is no record of planning permission for this development. It would be inappropriate for the Planning Authority to consider granting permission for the proposed development as the Planning Authority cannot/will not facilitate the consolidati on and intensification of any unauthorised structures and/or uses. Accordingly, please review the planning file and submit mitigating drawings, details and/or documentation. Response: In relation to the Gym building at the front of the development, it was an existing structure built in the late 80s and was used as a dressing room. It was poor and needed to be refurbished. The Club decided to demolish the dressing room and redevelop it to a more modern standard. The applicant would now, as part of this application, like to retain the Gym building to the front – see enclosed drawings of the Gym building for retention. – This has also been reflected in the updated development description. Point 5: The applicant is requested to submit a fully completed water protection checklist (Please see Appendix 6 of the Monaghan County Development Plan). Response: I have attached the water protection plan checklist for the proposed development. I hope the above and attached are in order and address the issues you have raised and will be read in conjunction with the previously submitted documentation in relation to this application. If you require any further clarification, please feel free to contact me. Yours sincerely, -------------------------------- Elliott Swetak BSC (Hons) Arch. Tech. MSc Con Proj Mangmt RECEIVED: 15/06/2026