Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 24m lattice structure would be visually intrusive and harmful to the visual amenity of the River Walk and Arklow Bridge due to its excessive height, utilitarian appearance, and prominent location, while failing to adequately demonstrate a sequential approach to site selection.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 24m structure is significantly taller than surrounding buildings and would be visually intrusive in a prominent location adjacent to the River Walk and visible from Arklow Bridge.
- The applicant failed to provide a landscape visual impact assessment or sufficiently demonstrate that alternative, less sensitive sites were considered in accordance with the required sequential approach.
- The development's utilitarian appearance and height would break the treeline and roofscape, causing significant harmful impact on the visual amenity of the area and the town's character.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028Section 2.4 of the Development and Design StandardsCPO 16.35CPO 16.37CPO 16.38CPO 16.39Appendix 1
Decision Document Summary
Eircom Limited sought permission to replace an existing 12m lattice telecommunications tower with a new 24m structure at the Eir Exchange on River Lane, Arklow. Although an initial assessment suggested granting permission, a supplementary report by the Senior Executive Planner overturned this, recommending refusal. The refusal was primarily based on the site's sensitive location adjacent to the River Walk public amenity area and its high visibility from Arklow Bridge. The planner determined that...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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