2561720
for the following facilities to be constructed and installed for a combined wellness retreat and organic farming project. A yurt for yoga workshops; a wood fired sauna retrofitted into an existing shed/hen house (change of use) with proposed amendments to shed; plunge pool/shower; an outdoor kitchen with shelter; polytunnel; WC facilities (dry system/composting); carparking area. The permission sought is to include landscaping involving planting of trees and all external works and site services
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is considered contrary to the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 due to a lack of rural justification, inadequate wastewater management, significant traffic safety concerns regarding site access, and an incongruous design character within the landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development lacks adequate justification for its rural location and materially contravenes multiple tourism and development management policies of the County Development Plan.
- The proposal fails to demonstrate satisfactory wastewater management and presents significant traffic safety risks due to deficient access infrastructure and reliance on third-party lands for visibility splays.
- The commercial nature and non-vernacular design of the project are considered incongruous with the local landscape, setting an undesirable precedent and detracting from the residential amenity of the area.