Core Refusal Reason
The proposal represents the consolidation of unauthorized development on the site, as the current use for housing displaced persons lacks planning permission and the site has been subject to an unauthorized sub-division.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The current use of the property for housing displaced persons is considered unauthorized as no planning permission or specific exemptions apply for this change of use from a private dwelling.
- The application seeks to change the use from an unauthorized status to a guest house, which would effectively consolidate unauthorized development on the site.
- The unauthorized sub-division of the planning unit via the erection of a fence to separate the garden from the dwelling undermines planning regulations and negatively impacts the amenities of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective CPO 6.33Objective CPO 11.12Objective TA1Objective TA2Objective WTR70Objective WTR71
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed a change of use from a dwelling to a guest house/B&B in Wicklow Town. While the planner noted that the tourism use generally aligned with town centre objectives and would not significantly impact long-term housing stock despite being in a Rent Pressure Zone, the application was refused on procedural and enforcement grounds. The property is currently being used to house displaced persons without planning permission, and the site has been subdivided with unauthorized fenci...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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