Rejection of plans to construct a synthetic grass pitch at Greenhills park, Greenhills Dublin 12
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to lodge a formal objection to the proposed development of a synthetic grass pitch in Greenhills Park, directly adjacent to my property. While I understand the value of recreational facilities in the community, I have serious concerns about the significant and negative impact this project will have on the surrounding residents and the local environment.
1. Loss of Amenity and Character of the Park
Greenhills Park has long been a place of leisure and relaxation for the surrounding community, used daily by families, dog walkers, and residents seeking a quiet green space. The installation of an artificial pitch, with fencing and floodlighting, will fundamentally alter the character of the park and restrict the informal recreational use that has defined it for decades.
2. Light Pollution and Extended Usage Hours
The proposal to install floodlights in such close proximity to residential properties is highly concerning. The lights are proposed to be in use until 10:00pm on weeknights, which will cause intrusive light pollution, disturb the quiet enjoyment of residents’ homes and gardens, and negatively affect sleep and wellbeing. The effect will be particularly severe for those of us whose homes directly overlook the site.
3. Inadequate Consultation and Notice
Residents only received very short notice of these plans via a letter through the door. Such limited communication fails to provide the community with a fair opportunity to consider the proposal, consult with one another, and prepare a response. A development of this scale and impact should involve meaningful engagement with those most directly affected.
4. Environmental Concerns
Replacing a natural green area with synthetic turf will remove an important patch of natural habitat. Artificial surfaces contribute to increased surface water runoff, heat retention, and the release of microplastics, all of which are contrary to environmental sustainability and biodiversity goals.
5. Impact on Residential Amenity
The proposed pitch will be located directly outside my back window. This will result in a permanent loss of privacy, increased noise, and a substantial decline in the peaceful enjoyment of my property. The cumulative effects of evening lighting, shouting, and ongoing activity until late hours will represent an unacceptable intrusion into the lives of local residents.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the proposed synthetic grass pitch and associated floodlighting in Greenhills Park. I urge the council and decision-makers to reject this application and instead preserve the park as a shared natural green space for the benefit of all residents.
Observations
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to lodge a formal objection to the proposed development of a synthetic grass pitch in Greenhills Park, directly adjacent to my property. While I understand the value of recreational facilities in the community, I have serious concerns about the significant and negative impact this project will have on the surrounding residents and the local environment.
1. Loss of Amenity and Character of the Park
Greenhills Park has long been a place of leisure and relaxation for the surrounding community, used daily by families, dog walkers, and residents seeking a quiet green space. The installation of an artificial pitch, with fencing and floodlighting, will fundamentally alter the character of the park and restrict the informal recreational use that has defined it for decades.
2. Light Pollution and Extended Usage Hours
The proposal to install floodlights in such close proximity to residential properties is highly concerning. The lights are proposed to be in use until 10:00pm on weeknights, which will cause intrusive light pollution, disturb the quiet enjoyment of residents’ homes and gardens, and negatively affect sleep and wellbeing. The effect will be particularly severe for those of us whose homes directly overlook the site.
3. Inadequate Consultation and Notice
Residents only received very short notice of these plans via a letter through the door. Such limited communication fails to provide the community with a fair opportunity to consider the proposal, consult with one another, and prepare a response. A development of this scale and impact should involve meaningful engagement with those most directly affected.
4. Environmental Concerns
Replacing a natural green area with synthetic turf will remove an important patch of natural habitat. Artificial surfaces contribute to increased surface water runoff, heat retention, and the release of microplastics, all of which are contrary to environmental sustainability and biodiversity goals.
5. Impact on Residential Amenity
The proposed pitch will be located directly outside my back window. This will result in a permanent loss of privacy, increased noise, and a substantial decline in the peaceful enjoyment of my property. The cumulative effects of evening lighting, shouting, and ongoing activity until late hours will represent an unacceptable intrusion into the lives of local residents.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the proposed synthetic grass pitch and associated floodlighting in Greenhills Park. I urge the council and decision-makers to reject this application and instead preserve the park as a shared natural green space for the benefit of all residents.
Yours sincerely,
Sean Flaherty on behalf of Gwen Russell
263 St.James’s Road, Greenhills