Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its excessive scale, overbearing impact, and potential for overlooking of adjacent private amenity spaces, which would seriously injure the residential amenities of neighboring properties.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The design, featuring a first-floor balcony and additional storey, would result in significant overbearing and a sense of overlooking into the private open spaces of existing apartments 21A and 21B.
- The proposed structure is considered excessive in scale and would lead to a loss of sunlight and a reduction in the quality of residential amenity for adjoining dwellings to the east.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar substandard developments and would be contrary to the objectives of the Arklow Town Plan regarding the protection of existing residential amenity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Arklow and Environs Local Area Plan 2018-2024Chapter 11: Zoning, Land Use & Action Area plansZoning: TC: Town CentreSustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments GuidelinesCounty Development Plan 2016Appendix 1: Development and Design Standards - Section 1
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a two-bedroom duplex apartment involving a first-floor extension and conversion of an existing storage shed at the rear of No. 21 Wexford Road, Arklow. While the site is zoned for town centre use and the proposal met minimum internal floor space standards, it was refused due to its physical impact on neighboring properties. The planning authority determined that the height, bulk, and inclusion of a balcony would cause significant overlooking and overbearing im...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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