Permission refused for glamping pods in Waterford as council’s decision upheld

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused permission for a number of glamping pods in County Waterford.

The five serviced glamping pods were planned for an address of Coolbunnia, Cheekpoint.

Planning permission was sought for a glamping area including the pods, as well as a proprietary wastewater treatment plant and a borewell water supply.

There were also plans for a new entrance from an existing private lane, with works taking place to adjust roadside boundaries in the area.

As well as that, a number of associated site works would have been undertaken.

The planning application was submitted by Colin and Gerard Fennelly on April 28.

Waterford City and County Council refused permission for the development on June 22.

In outlining its decision, the council said the development would “set an undesirable precedent for similar type developments and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

It further ruled that the development would detract from the visual amenity of the area and would be contrary to the Waterford City & County Development Plan 2022- 2028.

The applicants subsequently decided to appeal this decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

However, the commission has decided to uphold the council’s decision.

The commission stated that such accommodation should generally be located within towns and villages unless otherwise justified to the satisfaction of the planning authority.

A commission spokesperson wrote: “It is considered that the applicants have not

demonstrated suitable justification for the siting of the proposed development on a rural site removed from the nearest settlement of Cheekpoint and remote from services, including retail and social facilities.

“It is acknowledged that the subject site is located in proximity to a designated recreational walking route under the development plan, however, it is noted that this route also serves the settlement of Cheekpoint and rural node of Faithlegg.

“It is considered that there are no other sustainable connections to any natural heritage assets or outdoor recreational activities notwithstanding the proximity of the site to the shoreline of the River Suir.”

The commission also agreed with the council’s observation in relation to the visual impact of the development on the area.

As a result, An Coimisiún Pleanála refused permission for the development on October 20.