Core Refusal Reason
The proposed change of use would introduce an incompatible non-industrial use into an established industrial estate, which would undermine the strategic role and function of the industrial lands and conflict with specific County Development Plan objectives designed to protect economic and employment-related activities.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The loss of a serviced industrial/enterprise site in close proximity to the town centre would prejudice the future viability of the industrial estate and its ability to foster clusters of similar enterprises.
- While social infrastructure is supported by the development plan, it must be balanced against the necessity to protect finite industrial land banks from incompatible, sensitive uses that could be impacted by noise, smells, or industrial processes.
- The applicant provided insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the existing vacant building is unviable for its original industrial/office purpose or that it had been adequately marketed for such use before seeking a change of use.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective ED39Objective ED40Objective ED42Objective ED46Objective ED51Objective ED53Objective ED60Objective SC01Objective SC04Volume 2, Section 4 (Community Infrastructure, Facilities and Services)Volume 2, Section 5 (Enterprise & Employment)
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns a first-party appeal against Wexford County Council's decision to refuse permission for the change of use of a vacant two-storey office building (624m²) to childcare and adultcare services at Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford. The proposal included significant internal alterations, an accessibility ramp, and a reconfigured car park providing 14 spaces and a bus set-down area. The site is situated in a mature industrial area characterized by manufacturing and distribution,...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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