Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission as the proposed development is consistent with the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028, represents a logical extension of an established residential area in a Level 1 Key Town, and provides for appropriate density and infrastructure without significant injury to local amenities or protected European sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of residential development is acceptable at this location as it forms a natural extension of existing permitted developments and aligns with Wexford's status as a Level 1 Key Town intended for significant population growth.
- The proposed density of 35 units per hectare and the mix of houses and apartments are appropriate for this edge-of-centre location and comply with the 2024 Compact Settlement Guidelines and local policy objectives.
- Infrastructure concerns regarding traffic, site access via Starvehall Lane, and drainage (SuDS) have been adequately addressed through revised designs and appropriate planning conditions, ensuring no adverse impact on the surrounding network or environmental quality.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028Section 3.6.1 (Level 1 Settlements)Table 3.2 (Settlement Hierarchy)Table 3.3 (Population Growth)Section 3.8.4 (Zoned Land Requirements)Table 3.4 (Allocated Densities)Objective CS01 (Core Strategy Implementation)Objective CS02 (Population/Housing Targets)Objective CS04 (Compact Growth/Infill Development)Objective CS05 (Existing Built-up Footprint Growth)Objective CS19 (Wexford Town Economic Growth)Objective TV01 (Liveable Towns and Villages)Objective TV30 (Accessibility and Connectivity)Section 4.1 (Childcare Facilities)Table 6.7 (Car Parking Standards)Section 3.12.1 (Mix of Dwelling Types)Section 3.12.2 (Lifetime Homes)Table 6-1 (TTA Thresholds)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of 82 residential units (comprising 56 houses and 26 apartments) and a 172sqm creche on a 3.18-hectare greenfield site at Starvehall/Coolballow, Drinagh, Wexford. The site is located approximately 2.7km from Wexford Town Centre and adjoins the existing Ard Uisce residential development. While third-party appellants raised concerns regarding the lack of a Local Area Plan (LAP), traffic safety on Starvehall Lane, and the suitability of the creche, the Inspect...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.