Permission refused for retention of mobile homes on scenic site close to Waterford coast

An Bord Pleanála has upheld the decision of the local authority to refuse planning permission for the retention of two mobile homes in an area of County Waterford which is designated as ‘most sensitive landscape’.

Waterford City and County Council refused permission for the proposed development - at Ballymacaw, Dunmore East - earlier this year and that decision was subsequently appealed by the applicant who challenged aspects of the council decision.

In her report, which has just been published, planning inspector Ann Bogan notes that the site and the nearby Rathmoylan Cove are designated as ‘Most Sensitive’
landscape in the scenic classification in the Landscape and Seaside Character Assessment contained in the County Development Plan.

These, she  notes, are areas which have "very distinctive features with a very low capacity to absorb new development without significant alterations of existing character over an extended area".

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Recommending that permission be refused, she commented: "This is a sensitive coastal location of high scenic value and in my opinion the two new mobile homes detract from the visual amenity and character of the area, and are contrary to the landscape policy objectives."

Ms Bogan expressed concern that allowing the development "could create an undesirable precedent for other similar development in the area and in other coastal locations of high scenic value."

In his appeal, the applicant stated the site has been used for holiday accommodation for 50 years and that the mobile homes "do not have discernible negative visual impact on landscape given their established use and natural screening."

It was also submitted that services are available on the site including wastewater treatment and potable water.

In her report, Ms Bogan noted there were several objections from local residents who raised a number of issues including the impact of increased traffic in the cul de sac and the location of the wastewater treatment system on the site.

Concerns were also raised about the suitability of the lands for mobile homes given the exposed nature of the site.