Core Refusal Reason
The proposed residential unit is located on lands zoned for 'commercial' use in the Bunclody Settlement Plan (part of the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028), where residential use is specified as 'not permitted' in the zoning matrix, making the development contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would materially contravene the site-specific commercial zoning objective which is intended to protect lands for employment and economic uses along the N80 corridor.
- The location is unsuitable for residential use due to its immediate proximity to an active industrial grain merchant premises, which would subject future residents to unacceptable noise, dust, and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements.
- The proposal would provide a poor standard of residential amenity for occupants, characterized by inadequate private open space, poor outward views overlooking industrial sites, and insufficient provision for bin and bicycle storage.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 5.10.1Objective TV36Objective TV45Objective TV46Section 1 of Volume 3 (Bunclody Town Settlement Plan)Section 1.5.2 (Zoning Matrix)Objective B15Objective B19Objective B24Section 1.3.5Section 1.4.10Objective FRM07Objective FRM08
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission to convert a vacant first-floor commercial/office space into a three-bedroom apartment with a new external staircase and balcony at Ryland Road, Bunclody. The site is part of a two-storey detached structure with retail units at ground level, situated adjacent to an Aldi car park and an industrial grain depot. While the applicant argued that national and local policies supporting compact growth and 'living above the shop' should take precedence, the Inspector found...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.