Sir, - I refer to Tim O'Brien's report (The Irish Times, March 27th) on An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant permission for housing on the slopes of Bray Head. I was shocked that the board granted permission despite a strong recommendation from its own inspector that permission be refused. The disregard of his professional advice is all the more mystifying given the strength of argument and the conviction of tone in the inspector's report to the board. He stated that the proposed development would result in a serious injury to the visual amenity of the area; would be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area; that the educational needs of Bray occupy a position of primacy and the proposed development would materially contravene the Development Plan.
The inspector's recommendations were based on an intensive examination of all the written evidence. He alone conducted the oral hearing at which all the arguments were comprehensively debated. Yet, at the end of this lengthy process, his professional recommendation - and the will of the people - were set at nought.
The board, it appears, is under no real obligation to explain its decision and serious issues now arise that have implications for the planning process. Why are the minutes of these board meetings not part of the public file? Was the decision made by the full board and if so, how many were present and voting? Was the decision to overturn its own inspector's recommendation made unanimously or by a slender majority? Should it not be incumbent on the board to take each of the inspector's recommendations and explain clearly why they were overturned?
The disgraceful decision on Bray Head has raised issues that An Bord Pleanala must address as a matter of urgency if the public is to have complete faith in the planning process. - Yours, etc., Colm Kirwan,
Member of Wicklow County Council, Vevay Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.