Green light given to Malin equestrian centre

An Bord Pleanala has granted permission for the development of an Equestrian Centre and apartments in Malin.
Donegal County Council had already granted permission for the development on the outskirts of the town but that was appealed to An Bord Pleanala on a number of grounds.
The planning application for the development on the Lagg Road was for an Equestrian Schooling Facility including stables for 34 horses class rooms, a cafe and other facilities.
Permission was also sought for the construction of 7 apartments, and 15 houses. Retention for an existing outdoor arena was also sought.
The Council did grant conditional approval but this was appealed on a number of grounds – including the development was contrary to the development plan.
Other concerns included that the development would add to a flooding problem, the development was of excessive scale and that the proposal showed a disregard for a neighbouring monument.
Having considered the matter the planning board refused permission for the retention of the existing outdoor arena.
However permission for the rest of the proposed development was granted following the receipt of an amended proposal which included a substantial reduction in the size of the development including the omission of all 15 houses.