An application to extend the duration of planning permission for a proposed development of 457 apartments and a bridge at the Marsh Road in Drogheda has been refused following a submission from Protect East Meath to Louth County Council pointing out that a decision of the European Court of Justice delivered in September had made these extensions illegal.

The original planning application which included seven buildings up to 20-stories, retail, a maritime museum and almost 600 car parking spaces was granted permission in 2010. No works were commenced during the 10 year life of the permission which expired on 10 October 2020.

Protect East Meath attempted to make a submission on the proposed extension and forwarded a copy of the judgment of the Court of Justice in Friends of the Irish Environment v An Bord Pleanála which held that it was unlawful to extend the duration of an expired permission without treating it as a new application.

While the Council refused to accept the submission, it appears that they did in fact take on board our observation and the application has now been refused.

You can see a copy of the refusal letter below or download form here.

Marsh-Road-refusal