2561037
the change of use of the former filling station to a café and for the existing car wash. Planning permission for the construction of new sanitary facilities for the café. Change of use of part of the existing public house/restaurant and function room to provide a gymnasium, a barber shop, and a modified public house/restaurant. Construction of a ground floor extension to provide an access corridor to the rear of the proposed gym; construction of a ground floor extension to provide a new entrance and sanitary facilities for the restaurant and to provide access to the first floor existing residential area. Construction of a first floor extension to the rear to accommodate a fitness studio, changing rooms and ancillary gymnasium areas; a separate first floor extension to staff office facilities; and a new roof connecting with the existing pitched roof structure. Alterations and change of use of the existing go-kart track to an athletics/walking track. Change of use of the existing track viewing area/ changing room structure to sports injury treatment rooms. Alterations to the façade and change of use of the existing storage building to a hydro training area. Construction and installation of 2 no. paddle courts with enclosed glass panel walls. Change of use of the existing barn structure to a car valet and cleaning area. Site development works including: installation of 6 no. sauna and plunge pool pods and a wave pool in a new external recreation area; installation of a new wastewater treatment system; improvements to SUDS drainage infrastructure; alterations to existing vehicle entrances; provision of new parking areas and internal roads; modifications to site walls; installation of new footpaths and pedestrian areas; and all associated site works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed large-scale commercial and leisure development is located in an unserviced rural area outside of any designated settlement, representing an unsustainable and car-dependent form of development contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The scale and nature of the proposed development would result in a significant intensification of use in a rural area, which would be contrary to the Settlement Strategy and policies regarding commercial development in the countryside as set out in the Limerick Development Plan.
- The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposed private wastewater treatment system is capable of safely managing the significant hydraulic and organic effluent load generated by the diverse range of uses, posing a risk of environmental pollution and a threat to public health.
- The development would lead to a substantial increase in traffic movements at an existing sub-standard entrance onto a busy public road, creating a traffic hazard and interfering with the safety and free flow of traffic.