Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 125 sq. m workshop/toolshed is considered excessive in scale and footprint, significantly exceeding the 80 sq. m standard for domestic garages/stores set out in the County Development Plan, and would fail to integrate effectively into the rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of a domestic workshop is acceptable, but the proposed floor area of 125 sq. m is in excess of 50% above the standard recommended in Section 3.2 of the CDP.
- The structure is not considered subservient to the main dwelling and would establish an undesirable precedent for future similar type developments in the rural area.
- The proposed development results in a built form that does not assimilate appropriately or integrate effectively into the rural landscape and its surroundings.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028Volume 2, Section 3.2 (Domestic Garages/Stores)Section 5.1 (Requirements for all Developments)Section 5.4 (Home Based Economic Activities)Objective ED49Objective ED127
Decision Document Summary
The application relates to the erection of a single-storey, timber-clad workshop/toolshed (125 sq. m) to the rear of an existing house in Ballinagam Lower, Co. Wexford. The Planning Authority originally refused permission due to a lack of information regarding the commercial vs. domestic nature of the operations. On appeal, the Inspector accepted that the use was for a private woodworking hobby and domestic storage, intending to replace unsightly shipping containers. However, the Inspector noted...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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