2360393
development which will consist of a standalone 3 storey building to accommodate medical related uses with all associated ancillary accommodation and standalone ESB substation (totalling 3490sqm gross floor area). Access will be from the existing Waterford Retail Park access on the Outer Ring Road through the existing car park where an additional 102 parking spaces will be provided bringing the total to 976 spaces. The 102 spaces in this application were also part of the car park extension (123no. spaces) proposed under Ref: 22/936. Permission is sought for all associated site and development works hard and soft landscaping, building mounted signage and bicycle parking facilities for staff and customers
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed medical facility is located in a retail warehouse park remote from population centers and lacks public transport, contradicting strategic goals for compact growth and the creation of 10-minute neighborhoods.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is situated within a retail warehousing park that is remote from centers of population and is not served by public transport.
- The proposal is contrary to the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022-2028 objectives which seek to promote compact growth and create 10-minute neighborhoods by directing healthcare uses to appropriate urban locations.
- The development conflicts with the Waterford Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) policy objective 26, which requires health facilities to be retrofitted within existing communities in tandem with population growth.