Core Refusal Reason
The proposed change of use from commercial to residential at ground floor level within the designated Core Retail Area would contravene development plan objectives aimed at protecting the vitality and viability of the town centre and would set an undesirable precedent for the loss of retail/commercial units.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is located within the Core Retail Area of Wicklow Town, where planning policy dictates that retail or commercial use should be retained at street level to ensure the vitality and viability of the town centre.
- Permitting a residential use at this ground-floor location would result in a 'dead frontage', undermining the retail strategy and setting a negative precedent for the wholesale conversion of retail structures in the area.
- The proposed development would contravene specific objectives of the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 (CPO 10.8, 10.9, and 10.12) which seek to reinforce the role of the core retail area as the prime shopping destination.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RT10Objective RT11Objective TR1CPO 10.8CPO 10.9CPO 10.12
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for the change of use of a vacant ground-floor commercial unit to a one-bedroom apartment at New Street, Wicklow Town. The site is situated within the designated Core Retail Area and is zoned for both Town Centre and Existing Residential uses. Wicklow County Council refused the proposal primarily because the introduction of a residential use at street level would contravene several strategic objectives aimed at preserving the retail function and vibrancy of the...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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