Plans for tourist log cabins in Offaly refused by council

Plans for three log cabins for tourists on a rural site in Offaly have been refused by Offaly County Council

Louise and Richard Kennedy had sought permission to construct the cabins along with a vehicular entrance to the site at Knockdrin, Rhode. 

In refusing permission, Offaly County Council said that the proposed development of tourist accommodation in a un-serviced rural area materially contravened the Offaly County Council Development Plan. The Plan states that it is council policy that tourist and recreation facilities, in particular accommodation, shall be generally located within towns and villages unless a comprehensive justification of the need for the development can be provided.

The council stated that the proposed development is not ancillary to any existing tourist or recreational facilities and is therefore considered to be contrary to the policy. 

The council also refused permission on the grounds that the site of the proposed development is located in a rural area and it considered that the proposed development would 'militate against the preservation of the rural environment and the proposal would lead to demands for the uneconomic provision of public services in this area'. 

It also said the proposal would result in unsustainable car based traffic in the area.