Core Refusal Reason
The proposed conversion of ground-floor commercial units to residential use within the Arklow Core Retail Area is contrary to Objective CPO 10.9, which requires retail or commercial uses at street level to maintain town centre vitality.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is located within the Arklow Core Retail Area where Objective CPO 10.9 mandates that retail or commercial uses should normally be maintained at street level.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient justification for the loss of retail frontage or demonstrate that alternative commercial solutions, such as unit amalgamation, were explored.
- The introduction of residential use at this street-level location would undermine the primary shopping function of the town centre and is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 8.2CPO 8.3CPO 10.8CPO 10.9Appendix 1Arklow and Environs Local Area Plan 2018-2024Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for the change of use of two vacant commercial units at 12B and 12D Upper Main Street, Arklow, into two residential studio apartments. Although the applicant cited long-term vacancy and commercial unviability as justification, the Planning Authority refused the application. The refusal was primarily based on the site's location within the designated Core Retail Area, where planning policy (Objective CPO 10.9) prioritizes street-level retail and commercial activity ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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