Knockbounce waste plan 'would not impact' environment

A proposed waste disposal and vehicle ELV processing plant at Knockbounce would have 'no significant effects' on the environment, according to the architect for the promoters, writes Brian Byrne.

In response to a wide ranging request from Kildare County Council for more information on the proposal, Sean Byrne Planning & Development Services have provided a variety of reports on the noise, odour, dust and traffic impacts of the development applied for by Christopher & Catherine Dolly. 

A hydrological survey report on the effects on the local Pinkeen Stream is also included, and the architect says the combined conclusions show that the applicant has endeavoured to provide all necessary independent environmental reports to show 'conformity with regulation standards'.

A bank between the proposed development and nearby housing estates would be built and landscaped at the same time as construction, to a design that would keep the facility out of view without impacting on the visual and light amenity of the houses.

The further information was received a week ago, and is now being considered by the planners.

The original application was lodged last November, subsequent to pre-planning meetings with Council officials which took place in August 2011.

A large number of submissions were made by local residents, residents groups, and Kilcullen Community Action. Among other things, the objections were based on lack of consultation, alleged conflict of interest on the Council's part because it would be selling the site to the promoters if planning permission was given, a variety of environmental considerations, and general overall safety issues because the location of the project was close to residential areas.

Other matters raised included traffic movements because of the type of business, inappropriate zoning, and the possibility that organic waste might be included in the processes.

Existing owners of businesses at the Knockbounce Business Park also objected, in particular to plans to utilise water and sewer services which they themselves had privately provided.

The response of the developers deals with a number of technical queries relating to the original application, including management of materials, storage, and security.

The document also provides details of estimated vehicle movements at the site, including three HGV skip trucks carrying out four visits a day, and less than 100 cars a week using the public disposal area. The promoters estimate that some 12 light cars and vans will be received each week for dismantling, crushing and disposal of the components.

The operation is expecting to recover 4,500 tonnes annually of mixed waste brought in by skip truck, which would include 1,000 tonnes of metal and a similar amount of wood. ELV vehicles are anticipated to total 1,275 tonnes, and the materials brought by the public at around 1,125 tonnes.

If permission is given, the promotors are suggesting that a representative of neighbouring residents be given the opportunity to attend weekly meetings involving a liaison offier with Kildare County Council during the construction process.

The promoters have also offered to reduce the opening times of the operation by 12 hours a week. A proposed wind turbine installation has been dropped on noise grounds, and for the same reason an electric forklift would be used to transfer ELV vehicles to the dismantling area.

The applicants now propose to connect directly into water and sewer facilities on the main road under Council control, rather than the privately built facility.

In all, 34 points in the further information request were dealt with by the latest submission from the promoters.

NOTE: In a commentary before Christmas on the submissions received, the architect for the developers noted that under the Kilcullen Local Area Plan 2008, the Council could consider proposals outside the 'matrix' of land use zoning, having regard to the general policies and objectives for an area.

He also discounted objections suggesting that the facility came under the descriptions of 'Garage & Car Repairs', 'Petrol Station' or 'Heavy Commercial Vehicle Park'.

The architect's submission also disagreed with claims that the site notices had been incorrectly placed, noting that the promoters had followed the 'previous trends' of earlier developments in the business park.

It also emphasised that the development would only cater for Dry Waste and that handling organic waste was not part of the proposal.