Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development fails to provide safe and adequate pedestrian connectivity between the site and the town center, creating a significant traffic hazard on a substandard, busy section of the county road used by tourist traffic.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal does not comply with the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024 policies TOU-P-17 and TOU-P-20, which require safe pedestrian access and connectivity from tourism developments to local services.
- The substandard nature of the narrow public road, combined with the lack of footpaths and the high volume of tourist traffic (including buses to Slieve League), makes the site unsuitable for increased pedestrian movement.
- The development is considered premature pending the provision of formal pedestrian infrastructure, as the Carrick Regeneration Plan cited by the applicant is non-statutory and aspirational.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy TOU-P-17Policy TOU-P-20Policies TV-O-1 to -4Policy TOU-P-16Policy TOU-O-17
Decision Document Summary
This report examines an appeal for the erection of glamping pods on a 0.874ha site at Carrick Upper, Co. Donegal, within the settlement boundary of a designated 'Strategic Town' near Slieve League. While the principle of tourism-led development on the site is generally consistent with the policy context for the town, the Inspector identifies a critical deficiency in safe pedestrian access. The public road serving the site is narrow, lacks hard shoulders, and is a primary route for tourist traffi...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.