Core Refusal Reason
The proposed ground floor residential unit conflicts with the site's location within the Arklow Town Core Retail Area, where retail or commercial use is required at street level to maintain the vitality and viability of the town centre.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal contravenes Objective CPO 10.9 of the Wicklow County Development Plan, which mandates that retail or commercial use will normally be required at street level within the defined core retail area.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a sufficient justification for a ground floor studio apartment at this prominent corner location, particularly as the site had previously been granted permission for a cafe/restaurant use.
- The development would undermine the role and function of the core retail area as the prime shopping area of the town centre, thereby being contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 10.8CPO 10.9CPO 8.2CPO 8.3Arklow Town Development Plan 2018-2024Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed the change of use of a former ground floor launderette at 7 Bridge Street, Arklow, into a studio residential apartment. Although the site is zoned 'Town Centre' and the proposed unit met internal design standards for new apartments, the location falls within the designated Arklow Core Retail Area. Under the County Development Plan, street-level units in this core area are reserved for retail or commercial uses to protect the town's commercial vibrancy. The planning autho...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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