Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 115sqm gym is considered excessive in scale and industrial in appearance, lacking sufficient justification for domestic use and setting an undesirable precedent for the rural area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 115sqm structure is considered excessive in size and scale for domestic use, particularly as it would be larger than an average dwelling and exceeds the 40sqm limit for garages/outbuildings set out in the Design Guidelines.
- Despite the applicant's justification regarding their son's athletic training requirements, the scale of the building is not considered ancillary to the main dwelling and lacks satisfactory justification for its industrial/commercial appearance.
- Permitting a structure of this magnitude would set an undesirable precedent for similar large-scale developments in a rural area and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the locality.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Appendix 1 of the County Development PlanSection 1 - House ExtensionsSection 4 of the Design Guidelines for new homes in Rural Wicklow
Decision Document Summary
Philip and Caroline Rice sought permission for a 115sqm shed structure to be used as a personal gym for their son, an international athlete, at Ballygahan Lower, Avoca, Co. Wicklow. The site already contains a 313sqm dwelling and a 26sqm garage. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the proposed building's scale and industrial appearance were deemed excessive for domestic use, failing to meet the criteria for ancillary structures and potentially setting a negative precedent for ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.