Oldest hunt refused permission for kennels

THE oldest hunt in the country has been denied planning permission for kennels after Bord Pleanála upheld an objection by the Brothers of Charity.

Cork County Council had previously granted the Southern Union Hunt permission to build kennels for 30 hounds at Mountain Road, Carrigaline.

But the Brothers of Charity, which has a residential centre nearby catering for autistic children and children with intellectual disability, objected to the development on a number of grounds, including concerns that the barking dogs — Old English hounds — would disturb the children.

The order said the location for the residential centre had been chosen as it was a quiet rural area.

The Brothers of Charity also warned the development would also increase traffic on a narrow country road.

In originally granting planning permission, the council attached 22 conditions, including one that a special contribution of €10,000 be made by the developers to upgrade the road.

In their objection, the Brother of Charity wrote: “Welfare and care of the children in the community house takes precedence and priority over animals housed for the recreational enjoyment of others.”

Bord Pleanála also received a number of submissions from other locals who were concerned, among other things, about the dogs escaping or causing distress to sheep which graze nearby.

In response, the Southern Union Hunt said the dogs would be kennelled at the facility under lock-and-key and it would be impossible for them to escape.

The facility would also be fitted with CCTV and constantly monitored.

Hunt members also stated a kennel man would visit the facility daily to feed the dogs, adding that properly attended and well-fed dogs “generally bed down and remain quiet”.

Bord Pleanála inspector Brid Maxwell said she didn’t consider the proposed site “was appropriate or suitable for the nature of development”. She maintained the Southern Union Hunt had not justified the choice of the site or presented any alternatives.

In her report, Ms Maxwell said she didn’t think the dogs would cause excessive noise as they only barked for a short time if they became excited or agitated.

She noted that noise mitigation measures were included in the Southern Union Hunt plans.

The inspector recommended the refusal of planning permission on the grounds that the development would not constitute a sustainable rural enterprise.

Ms Maxwell noted the proposed kennels would materially contravene the provisions of the County Development Plan.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” she added.