Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is considered contrary to the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 as it would negatively impact the rural character and visual amenities of the area due to its scale, urbanising lighting, and lack of demonstrated agricultural need.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed external lighting is considered an urban feature that is unsuitable for this rural location and would be seriously injurious to the visual amenities of the area and the character of the landscape.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient information to demonstrate a clear agricultural-based need for the equine arena, which is required to justify such a development in this rural location.
- The siting of the development in an open field directly adjacent to a regional road and in close proximity to existing residential dwellings would set an undesirable future precedent for similar developments in rural areas.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Chapter 9 - Economic DevelopmentCPO 9.35CPO 9.37CPO 4.15CPO 17.1CPO 17.35
Decision Document Summary
Avril Hobson sought planning permission for an equine exercise all-weather arena (approx. 150sqm) including four 5-meter high lights and associated works at Barraderry West, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow. The 0.47ha site is an agricultural field located in a 'Rolling Lowlands' landscape area adjacent to the R-747-456 regional road. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the scale and urban nature of the lighting were deemed incompatible with the rural character and residential amenities ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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