Clarity sought on Borris’ bible plan

Another request for further information has been made over a plan to open a community bible educational facility in Borrisokane.

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland has submitted a planning application to change the use of Bright Sparks Montessori to a facility used for holding meetings, workshops and classes. Several works are proposed including a rearranged site layout and the removal of temporary outbuildings.

Watchtower intends to hold weekly public meetings at the property, which would be used as a meeting place for its outreach work within the local community.

The plan has met with local objections, with concerns raised over potential intensification of use and parking at the site, impact on residential amenity, and reservations expressed over the loss of the Montessori.

Tipperary Co Council was to have ruled on the application last week but has instead sought clarification of the information provided by the applicant.

The council advised the applicant that the subject site is zoned amenity under the Tipperary County Development Plan.

“Under this land use zoning, a community facility is open for consideration, which an educational use and a use as a place of worship is not permitted,” the council stated. “It cannot be concluded that the proposal for a community bible educational facility is compatible with the land use zoning for the site (amenity), the objective of which is to provide, preserve and enhance open space and amenity uses.”

The council furthermore noted reference in a report submitted with the application to “local congregation”.

It said it had carried out a review of relevant planning history undertaken across local authorities in Ireland.

“It is noted that many planning applications by the applicant, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland, pertain to proposed places of worship.

“This includes a change of use to a place of worship granted by Tipperary County Council to the applicant at No 16-17 Quintin’s Way, Pearse Street, Nenagh. Similar planning applications pertaining to proposed places of worship are noted in Co Sligo, Co Cork, Co Galway and Co Laois.

“It is not clear how the current proposal for a community bible educational facility would differ from a place of worship. The applicant is requested to submit clarification of further information to comprehensively address the above-raised concerns.”

Watchtower was given until February 14 next to address the council’s concerns.