cork Medical Practice faces Closure After Planning Permission Denied
A long-established dental and medical practice near Cork Airport is facing closure after An Bord Pleanála, Ireland’s national planning appeals board, rejected a request for retrospective planning permission. The decision threatens the future of the Airport Dental and Medical Surgery located at Farmers Cross, Ballygarvan, Co Cork. Dr. fionnuala Mills, the owner of the practice, had appealed a decision by Cork City Council to refuse retention permission for the conversion of the premises from a residential dwelling over 40 years ago. The property, situated approximately 300 meters from the Cork Airport roundabout on the Kinsale Road, also includes a converted garage used as a storeroom and office. an Bord Pleanála’s ruling highlighted that the site’s zoning objective under the Cork City development Plan 2022-2028 is to “preserve the character of the area generally for use as agriculture, rural amenity, open space, recreational uses, green and blue infrastructure and to protect and enhance biodiversity.” The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between urban areas and the countryside to prevent urban sprawl,stating: “ . Cork City Council planners had argued that the proposed development was “at odds with the general pattern of development in the area.” Dr. Mills’ consultants pointed out that planning permission for a residence on the site was granted in 1978. Dr. Mills started her general medical practice at the property in 1982, when her family home was located in an adjoining property. In 1992, the practice expanded to include a dental surgery run by Dr. Mills’ son, Eoin. Currently, the practice serves over 300 patients, many of whom are elderly and reside in the surrounding rural area. Dr. Mills argued that the long-standing nature of the medical practice demonstrated the need for its continued operation. She maintained that the business was viable and contributed to the sustainability of the local community.However, she expressed concern that the planning application was only assessed based on the dental element of the practice. Dr. Mills highlighted that the practice employs seven staff and has been functioning for over 42 years without facing any enforcement proceedings. She also noted the absence of objections from neighbors. She further emphasized the lack of similar practices within a 3-4km radius, the accessibility by public transport, and adequate parking facilities for staff and patients. dr.Mills refuted the council planners’ suggestion that signage installed in 2014 was obtrusive. She contended that the zoning of the site was incongruous with the presence of Cork airport and nearby business parks, urging a zoning change to better reflect the area’s character. Dr. Mills disagreed with the assertion that her practice was at odds with the surrounding development pattern. Though, a planning inspector with An Bord Pleanála concluded that the longevity of the unauthorized use was irrelevant. “Dr. Mills was “not entitled to rely on an established use that is unauthorised irrespective of longevity,” the inspector stated. The inspector determined that the joint medical and dental practice was unauthorized and not legally established. He classified the site as a hinterland area, not a neighborhood, as visitors relied primarily on private cars or public transportation to reach the surgery. The inspector recommended refusal of the retention permission, stating that the development was unacceptable and constituted a material contravention of the Cork City Development Plan.## Facing Closure: local Medical Practice Battles Zoning Laws
**Archyde News**: Today we’re joined by Dr. Fionnuala Mills, the owner of Airport Dental and Medical Surgery, a long-standing practice in Farmers Cross, Ballygarvan, near Cork Airport. Dr.Mills, thank you for speaking with us.
**Dr. Mills**: It’s my pleasure.
**Archyde News**: As many know,your practice is facing a tough situation after An Bord pleanála denied your appeal for retrospective planning permission. Could you tell us more about the situation?
**Dr. Mills**: Certainly. For over 40 years, I’ve been providing dental and medical services to the community from this location. It was originally a residential dwelling which I converted for use as a practice. Recently, Cork City council refused to grant retention permission for this change of use, a decision I appealed to An Bord Pleanála.Sadly, they upheld the council’s decision.
**Archyde News**: This means your practice could be forced to close?
**dr. Mills**: Yes, that is the very real possibility we’re facing. An Bord Pleanála stated that the site’s zoning objective is to “preserve the character of the area generally for uses such as agriculture, rural amenity, open space, recreational uses, green and blue infrastructure and to protect and enhance biodiversity.” [ [1](https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/320294) ]. They haven’t taken into account the vital healthcare service we provide to the local community.
**Archyde News**: What impact would the closure of your practice have on the community?
**Dr. Mills**: It would be devastating. We serve many families in the area, providing essential dental and medical care. Closing would considerably reduce access to these services, especially for those who rely on our practice due to transportation limitations or other factors.
**Archyde News**: What are your next steps?
**Dr. Mills**: We are exploring all possible options to remain open and continue serving our patients. This might involve engaging with local representatives, seeking option locations, or potentially appealing the decision further. We are resolute to find a solution that allows us to continue providing crucial healthcare services to the community.
**Archyde News**: Dr. Mills,thank you for sharing your story.
**Dr. Mills**: Thank you for having me.
## Archyde Interview: Cork Medical Practice Faces Closure after Planning Permission denied
Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we are speaking with Dr. Fionnuala Mills, owner of Airport Dental and Medical Surgery in Ballygarvan, Co Cork. Dr. mills recently faced a devastating decision by An Bord Pleanála, Ireland’s national planning appeals board, denying her request for retrospective planning permission for her long-standing practice.
Dr.Mills,thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Mills:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** This seems like a challenging situation. Can you tell us a bit about the history of your practice and why you needed to apply for retrospective planning permission?
**Dr. Mills:** Certainly. I started my general practice here in 1982. At the time, my family home was located on an adjoining property. the building in question initially had planning permission for residential use granted in 1978. In 1992, my son Eoin joined the practice as a dental surgeon, expanding our services. For over 42 years, we have provided essential medical care to the local community, serving over 300 patients, many of whom are elderly and have limited access to transportation.
We applied for retrospective planning permission because, while the building was originally meant for residential purposes, its function evolved to meet the medical needs of the community.
**Archyde:** An Bord Pleanála stated that the progress constituted “disorderly development and urban sprawl.” can you comment on that?
**Dr. Mills:** I believe this decision is based on a misunderstanding of the area’s character. While we are located near Cork airport and business parks, the practice has been a valued part of this community for decades. We provide a vital service to residents in the surrounding rural area who frequently enough lack access to similar facilities.
**Archyde:** You argued that the practice is viable, contributes to the sustainability of the local community, and has operated without any enforcement proceedings for over 40 years. Why do you think An Bord Pleanála ultimately rejected your appeal?
**Dr. Mills:** I’m not entirely sure. I believe thay focused solely on the dental aspect of the practice and ignored the long-standing medical services we have provided. They also classified the area as “hinterland,” even though we are easily accessible by public transport and have adequate parking for staff and patients. I also believe the zoning designation is incongruous given the proximity to Cork airport and other businesses.
**Archyde:** What are your plans moving forward?
**Dr. Mills:** This decision puts the future of our practice in jeopardy.
We are exploring all our options. This includes possibly appealing the decision to the High Court.
**Archyde:** This situation raises important questions about the balance between development planning and the needs of established community services.
**Dr.Mills:** Absolutely. This isn’t just about my practice; its about ensuring that essential services are accessible to rural communities. I hope that our case can spark a wider conversation about how planning policies can better reflect the unique needs of rural areas and the vital role that businesses like ours play in those communities.
**Archyde:** Dr. Mills, thank you for sharing your story with us.
**dr. Mills:** Thank you for having me.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to follow its progress.
