Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development for continued use of the land as a car park would compromise the future development potential of a centrally located 'Opportunity Site' and would be contrary to Wexford County Development Plan objectives (WX05, TV36, TV55) aimed at promoting compact growth, urban vibrancy, and the redevelopment of underutilised town centre lands.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The use of the site as a surface car park is an inefficient and unattractive use of prime town centre land that contributes little to the vibrancy of the area and compromises its potential for more intensive redevelopment.
- While the Planning Authority raised concerns regarding traffic hazards at the egress onto South Main Street, the Inspector found that existing low vehicle speeds and established usage patterns mean the development does not result in a significant traffic hazard.
- The site has benefited from temporary permissions for over 20 years without progress toward permanent redevelopment; therefore, another temporary grant is not justified under current national and local policies favoring compact urban growth.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective TV04Objective TV36Objective TV55Objective TS42Objective TS43Objective TS45Section 6.2.6Section 6.3.2Objective WX01Objective WX02Objective WX05
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for the continued use of an existing 37-space pay-and-display car park on a 0.14ha backland site in Wexford Town Centre. The site is accessed via a ramp from Bride Street and exits through the narrow Stonebridge Lane onto South Main Street. The Planning Authority refused permission citing traffic hazards (Reason 1) and inappropriate land use for a town centre location (Reason 2). The Inspector disagreed with the first reason, noting that the low-speed environment ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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