The changeover in development plans for Mayo has led to one Ballyhaunis couple being refused planning permission by Mayo County Council and will have consequences for other farm families applying for planning permission in the county.
A couple who applied for permission for a house, garage and septic tank at Grallagh, Ballyhaunis are being refused permission by the council because the proposed house is situated on the N83, a national secondary road. Under the rules of the new plan, which has caused controversy since its adoption last year, farm families are not allowed access onto national secondary routes, according to senior executive planner Mr John McMyler.
This will have wide implications for the children of farmers across Mayo who have been given a site on which to build a house but who are now being told they cannot gain access onto a national secondary route.
In the case at Ballyhaunis site lines were also a problem for council planners, but the case has opened a can of worms in relation to farm families seeking planning permission on family land.
Councillor John Cribbin told the Claremorris electoral area committee meeting on Tuesday that the applicants in question were given indications during pre-planning meetings that they would receive planning permission. But Mr McMyler explained that since they attended pre-planning the plan changed, and that is why the council’s decision was in conflict with previous advice given out.
Cllr Cribbin said the applicants had no other site available to them, while Cllr Pat McHugh pointed out that the development would not lead to increased traffic volumes on the road as the couple already lived in the area.
