Glamping pod plans are rejected in Waterford
Plans lodged with the local planning authority for glamping pods in Cheekpoint.
The construction of glamping pods in the Cheekpoint area has been refused permission to proceed, following review from the national planning body.
A total of five pods were planned, intended to include kitchens, breakfast bars, toilets and living areas.
Planning documentation says that the business model of the site was to "create a private retreat for couples to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities."
Waterford City and County Council expressed concerns that the development would detract from the visual amenity of the area.
The local authority said that the development risked setting an “undesirable precedent for similar type developments and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."
Additionally, there were a number of submissions made by locals to the area, who objected to the development on grounds relating to wastewater treatment, contravention of tourism policy objectives within the Development Plan and visual amenity concerns.
Waterford City and County Council refused permission for the development to proceed in June.
Subsequent to this, the applicant lodged an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The applicant cited “inconsistency” in the decision to refuse their development, as a similar development was recently accepted in the Dysert area of the county by An Coimisiun Plenala.
However, An Coimisiun Pleanala ultimately decided to refuse the project from proceeding at Cheekpoint.
The inspector 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."
