This article is from page 72 of the 2006-03-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 72 JPG
A COMMUNITY-WIDE drive to prevent Doolin from being “overrun” by tax-driven holiday home developments has succeeded.
An Bord Pleanala has overturned a decision by Clare County Council and refused planning permission to Joe Garrihy, to develop 19 holiday homes and seven permanent homes at O’Connor’s Campsite in Doolin.
The application was the largest of the multiple applications for holiday homes, which formed part of a deluge of applications lodged with the council prior to the end of 2004, in order to take advantage of tax incentives.
In the face of community pressure last year, four separate developers withdrew their applications for 37 holiday homes and eight apartments.
Since then, local opposition has succeeded in preventing a hotel and eight other holiday homes from being developed. The only tax-driven application that remains “live”, are plans for eight holiday homes.
The Board inspector in the Garrihy case recommended that planning permission be granted on grounds including that the plan would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, or property in the vicinity.
However, the Board found that the proposal would be premature by reference to the existing deficiency in the provision of sewerage facilities in Doolin and the period within which the constraints involved might reasonably be expected to cease.
The Board also ruled that the layout of the proposal, due to its suburban style design and layout, and the proximity of dwellings numbered 11 to 18 to the River Aille, would fail to enhance the existing character and qualities of the settlement of Doolin.
It was stated that the plan would endanger the vegetation and structure of the riverbank and would seriously injure the amenities of the area.
The Board ruled that the plan, by reason of the inadequate provision of private open space for the permanent dwellings numbered would provide a substandard level of amenity for the future occupants.
It would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
“In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to grant permission, the Board had fundamental concerns with the layout, which could not be overcome by condition.
Furthermore, the Board considered the location of the proposed temporary wastewater treatment system outside the settlement boundary of Doolin.
It was found not to be in accordance with the provisions of the current development plan for the area.