Planning exemption refused for 'ha-ha' wall works at Straffan Lodge

Kildare County Council has decided that works on a 'ha-ha' wall at the protected Straffan Lodge require full planning permission.

The local authority refused to grant a planning exemption for the proposed works at the property in Straffan, County Kildare. Under Irish planning regulations, certain minor domestic developments can be considered exempted development, but local authorities can issue formal declarations confirming whether a specific project requires full planning permission.

In this instance, Kildare County Council determined that the works on the historic wall did not qualify for an exemption. In addition, the council decided that proposals for a structure to be treated with liquid manure on the site would also require planning permission.

Related planning documentation reveals that the council previously refused a retention application for unauthorised works at the same property, citing negative impacts on the protected structure and its attendant grounds. That decision has since been appealed to An Bord Pleanála for a final determination.