Planning permission has been refused for an extension at a Waterford City graveyard by Waterford City & County Council.

Planning permission had been sought from Fr. Liam Power on behalf of The Parish of St. Joseph, St. Benildus and St. Mary’s at Canada Street, Waterford for an extension to the south of the existing church graveyard on January 24th 2025.

In a ruling on March 20th, Waterford City and County Council refused planning permission on three conditions.

It was determined that the site is located in an area zoned ‘high amenity’ as designated in the Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028.

The objective of this zoning is “Protect highly sensitive and scenic location from inappropriate development that would adversely affect the environmental quality of the locations” and under this zoning objective a ‘Cemetery/ Burial Grounds’ is not permitted. Therefore, the proposed graveyard extension onto lands zoned ‘high amenity’ would contravene materially the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022-2028. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

Having regard to the nature of the proposed development, its location over a regionally important aquifer and based on the details provided with the planning application the Planning Authority is not satisfied that it has been demonstrated that the ground conditions are suitable for the development proposed or that the proposed development does not pose a significant risk of contamination of groundwater. The proposed development would, therefore, be prejudicial to public health.

Based on the details provided with the planning application, the Planning Authority is not satisfied the proposed development will not give rise to a traffic hazard owing to the available sight lines at the junction of the private road serving the graveyard extension and the public road (Knockboy Road/St Mary’s Place road) to the west of the site.

The applicant will have the right to appeal.

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