2460418
self-catering, chalet accommodation at Mullingar Equestrian Centre. The development comprises; the erection of 5 no. chalet / cabin units to create overnight accommodation totalling 425 sqm to facilitate the accommodation demands of visiting tourists, the provision of associated visitor parking (12 no.), cycle parking (20 no.) accessed from an existing vehicular access at the L-1137, a proposed wastewater treatment system and all associated ancillary services, above and below ground and landscaping proposals to integrate, promote and enhance biodiversity
Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its adverse visual impact on an open expansive landscape, lack of clustering with existing structures, and failure to provide adequate justification for tourism demand, making it contrary to rural development and design policies.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development, by virtue of its prominent siting on stilate foundations and unsympathetic design, would adversely interfere with the visual setting of an open and expansive rural landscape.
- The units are not clustered with existing working facilities or buildings of character on the wider land holding, representing a fragmented and uncoordinated form of development in the countryside.
- The application failed to provide adequate justification for tourism demand or demonstrate that the proposal meets the high-quality design and siting standards required by policies CPO 6.27 and CPO 16.52 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.