Green light for completion of works at Wild Alpaca Way

Approval has been given for the retention and completion of works at the popular Wild Alpaca Way in Donegal.

An Bord Pleanála ruled in favour of the works proceeding, subject to five conditions the planning authority has set down.

The works concerned are the retention and completion of timber and steel framed shelters, portable toilets, stone benches, picnic table and lay-by car parking in support of the Wild Alpaca Way business at Knockamay, Malin.

Applicant John McGonagle and his family run the Wild Alpaca Way, which has become a popular tourist attraction as people come for a tour with one of the family's 23 alpacas.

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Planning documents for the development were lodged this week with Donegal County Council

James and Rosemary McGonagle of Knockamany, Malin Head lodged an objection to An Bord Pleanála after Donegal County Council had granted permission for the works on June 24, 2021.

At a meeting on November 23, An Bord Pleanála decided on a 2-1 vote to grant permission.

Issuing its directions, the planning authority said that, provided the development complies with five attached conditions 'would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or property in the vicinity, would not result in the creation of a traffic hazard and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.'

Issues raised in submissions were summarised by an inspector as relating to: landscape and visual impacts; public health; overlooking; impacts on environmentally designated sites; inaccuracies within the application documents; aspects of the business not included within the application.

The inspector said the works to be retained and completed were 'small scale' and said 'none has any material visual impact or impact on the landscape'.

An Bord Pleanála says the development must be retained and completed in accordance with the plans and particulars lodged.

The parking area, which is to be finished in a bound material, must comply with the planning authority's requirements, details of which shall be agreed prior to the completion of the development.

No surface water from the site shall be permitted to discharge to the public road and the developer shall take steps to ensure that no public road water discharges onto the site

The developer must enter into an agreement with a licensed wastewater contractor for the removal and disposal of wastewater from the site, details of which shall be submitted for the planning authority's written agreement prior to the completion of the development.

Further, the developer shall pay to the planning authority a financial contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the planning authority that is provided for.

The planning authority noted that it is a requirement of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, that a condition requiring a contribution in accordance with the Development Contribution Scheme made under section 48 of the Act be applied to the permission.