Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development constitutes a substandard over-intensification of use where the actual internal layout and bed count (44 beds) significantly exceed the submitted plans (28 beds), resulting in inadequate amenity for occupants and adverse impacts on the surrounding area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The actual internal configuration and bed count found during site inspection (44 beds) do not correlate with the submitted plans (28 beds), indicating a significant over-development of the structure.
- The proposal provides a substandard level of tourist accommodation characterized by a haphazard internal layout, insufficient amenity space, and inadequate ancillary facilities for refuse and bicycle storage.
- The intensification of use from a 20-person B&B to a high-occupancy hostel would have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of the surrounding area and set an undesirable precedent for similar substandard developments.
Cited Policies (CDP)
TOU 33Chapter 13.15.1Section 3.18Section 6.5.1Section 6.5.2Section 6.5.4NGB 6TOU 26TOU 27TOU 28BHC 42BHC 44MOV 56ENV 39IU 19IU 26IU 27NGB 40NGB 14NGB 15Table 13.11
Decision Document Summary
Visit Carlingford Limited sought retention and permission for the change of use of a vernacular two-storey stone building from a B&B to a 28-bed hostel at Newry Street, Carlingford. Despite the reduction in proposed bed numbers from previous refused applications, Louth County Council refused the application because a site inspection revealed the building is currently laid out for 44 beds, directly contradicting the submitted plans. The Planning Authority determined that the development represent...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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