Appeal lodged against billionaire’s plan for helicopter pad at historic Waterford estate
Ballynatray Estate
A planning appeal has been lodged with An Coimisiun Pleanala (formerly An Bord Pleanala) regarding plans to construct a helicopter pad at a historic Waterford estate.
The estate has already undergone significant renovations since coming under the ownership last year of billionaire vacuum cleaner magnate, James Dyson.
The property was purchased for a reported €30 million.
The house sits on an 850-acre estate and was seen last year almost entirely enclosed in scaffolding and screening as restoration works advanced.
The estate manager, Christopher Nicholson, submitted plans to Waterford Council in October 2024 for the construction of a helicopter landing area on the grounds.
Also included in this planning application was provision for a new wastewater treatment system.
Following the submission of this application, a concerned local lodged an appeal.
Mr. David Orr said in his letter of objection that the area is "not environmentally best suited for this type of development".
He said that the noise from landing helicopters would be "audible for a considerable distance" and that wildlife would be impacted.
An ecological assessment, which was submitted alongside the plans, concluded that the impact of the development "should be low and localised in the long term".
The assessment further stated: "Although there may be short-term disturbance during the work phase, no significant impacts on birds or important mammals are expected to occur."
Mr. Orr challenged the findings within this assessment, saying: "I do not feel that enough consideration on the subject of noise pollution/disturbance is being taken into account."
His objection letter further stated: "The Irish countryside is diminishing at an alarming speed. The loss and apparent disregard for the natural world is distressing. Nature, now more than ever, needs more help, less interference if we are going to achieve any sort of balance."
The appeal has now been taken up with An Coimisiún Pleanála, who will decide whether or not to grant permission for the development to advance.
In the past year, plans have been submitted for the restoration of adjoining gatehouses, demolition works and the installation of a new internal lift within the iconic residence.
The house was also extensively worked on in the late 1990s by a previous owner.
The premises is an 18th-century classical-style house with an associated farm complex and is listed within the Record of Protected Structures and by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
According to the Historic Houses of Ireland index, Ballynatray is 11 bays long and five bays wide, and of a height of two storeys over a basement.
The appraisal says: "The interior was clearly built for entertaining on the grandest scale, with a sumptuous suite of interconnecting reception rooms, all with stupendous views, wide, double mahogany doors and some fine early nineteenth century plasterwork."
