Park for 100 caravansrefused

Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a 100-unit caravan park at a beach near Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

The decision was the culmination of a seven-year planning process during which permission for an original development gave way to an alternative application.

In 2008, Lar Whelan Trading had been planning, with conditions, for a mixed-use development at Kilgrovan, Clonea Strand.

The application had included 98 holiday homes, 35 apartments, a four-storey hotel, modified village centre of four buildings, shop, creche and a medical centre.

Bord Pleanála, at the time, rejected an appeal against the development.

However, in 2014, Waterford Council approved an application to replace 64 holiday homes in the development with a 100-unit caravan park, plus modifications to road layout and other works.

The decision was appealed to Bord Pleanála amid concerns over traffic, inadequate access via an old railway line, possible instability of railway embankment, flood risk, possible damage to woodlands, imperilment of a wildlife habitat and of a recorded ancient monument.

The appellants further argued the proposed alteration was inadmissible as caravan parks are only deemed “open to consideration” within the Waterford County Development Plan, whereas holiday homes are “permitted”.

Waterford Council decided the proposed caravan park was merely an amendment to a wider plan and did not require an EIA. The council further insisted access issues were dealt with under the conditions of planning.

Bord Pleanála found the caravan park is “open for consideration” within tourism zoned areas but not compliant with the county development plan.