Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused because the large-scale out-of-town retail warehouse component conflicts with the Wexford Retail Strategy and Ministerial Guidelines, while the development is considered premature pending critical road junction upgrades and provides a substandard residential layout for the proposed apartments.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 5no. retail warehouse units represent an inappropriate predominance of out-of-town shopping that could act as a counter-attraction to the town center and set an undesirable planning precedent.
- The development is premature pending the final design of the Whitemill Road junction and the completion of the Wexford Local Transport Plan, presenting a potential risk to traffic and public safety.
- The proposed apartments are of a substandard design due to the lack of communal open space and inadequate provision for bin storage, failing to meet national apartment design guidelines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective WXC17Section 5.10.2Volume 8 Retail Strategy 2021-2027Section 3.6.1Section 5.10Objective CS15Objective WXC15Objective TV27Section 3.12.6Table 6-7Objective SH16
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a mixed-use development on a 1.26ha greenfield site at Wexford Retail Park, comprising 5 bulky goods retail units in one building and a second 3-to-4 story building containing 10 apartments, medical units, a pharmacy, and a restaurant. The site context is characterized by its location between existing retail parks and emerging residential areas, previously zoned under the expired 2009-2015 Wexford Town Plan. The Inspector argues that despite the zoning, curren...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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