The operators of Cork Airport have expressed amazement at the decision of Cork County Council to grant planning permission for a new house less than 400 metres from the end of its main runway.
DAA has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against the council’s recent decision to sanction the construction of a new single-storey house with a converted attic close to the airport’s perimeter at Rathdermot, Lios Cross, Ballygarvan, Co Cork.
The distance of the proposed dwelling from the end of the main runway is 380 metres.
The airport authority accused the council of showing disregard for the importance of Cork Airport for the regional economy and its need to function safely.
A senior Cork Airport executive said the council’s ruling was “contrary to good planning and simple common sense.”
The airport’s head of finance, property and IT, Roy O’Driscoll remarked: “Quite simply – busy international airports and housing do not mix in close proximity.”
He added: “We are at a loss to understand why a domestic housing application would be granted approval within 400 metres of the end of a main runway for an international airport which operates on a 24/7 basis with 51,000 aircraft movements carrying over 2.6 million passengers per annum.”
In a letter to the council Mr O’Driscoll noted that Cork Airport had received an increase in complaints about noise from aircraft and that any noise sensitive development like housing should be located at further distance.
He warned that there was a danger of creeping one-off housing development near the airport which needed to be stopped before future problems arose.
“There will be implications for both the safe and efficient operation of the airport with movements throughout the day and night and for any residents who end up living within the 400-metres zone of a busy international airport,” said Mr O’Driscoll.
DAA claimed current planning policy, which recommends the avoidance of noise sensitive development near airports, supported its objection.
The Irish Aviation Authority said it had no observations on the planning application.
Planning and engineering reports prepared by Cork County Council to assess the application raised no concerns about the development’s location near the airport apart from the issue of the impact of noise on its occupants.
The planning application was made by a local part-time farmer who is currently residing in an unauthorised mobile home at the rear of his parent’s house which adjoins the proposed site of the development.
A decision by An Bord Pleanala on DAA’s appeal is due by mid-November.
