Retention permission has been refused for glamping pods in north Donegal following complaints over noise and ‘unsightly articles’ being hung from balconies.
Planners also discovered the units were 25% larger, and of a different design, than the ones that had originally been approved and they were being used as permanent homes instead of holiday lets.
Harry Boyce had sought the ‘regularisation’ of six units, as part of the Oakwell Holiday Village at Ballylin, Ramelton.
The proposed development consisted of the retention and completion of works previously granted permission. This consisted of six log cabin style units, three of which have curved roofs instead of pitched roofing.
In their objection, one local couple claimed the development was in ‘total contravention’ of the original planning grant.
Among their complaints were that balconies were added to the glamping units, despite not being contained in the original application. They pointed out that the units were front facing and, as a result, the balconies were highly visible from the public road.
“Whilst the houses were used as holiday lettings, we had concerns over unsightly articles hung over the balconies and being stored on the balconies,” their objection read.
They added that hot tubs, attached to the cabins, were visible from the road as a result of the lack of screens or hedges.
“Commercial use of open hot tubs is not in keeping with the strong rural area of Ballylin,” they said.
They also raised concern over holiday makers’ antisocial drinking, smoking and music and noise pollution.
Investigation
Following an investigation, council planners found that the units were not in fact being used for short-term lets for tourists, but as permanent living accommodation.
They pointed out the units were not fit for permanent occupancy and also discovered they were 25% larger than the ones that had originally been approved.
Planners said the submitted plans “indicate dimensions which are inaccurate.”
“Furthermore, the cabins previously approved alter materially from those the subject of this application in that previously, no first floor balconies were proposed and that the cabins now in place do have balconies,” they added.
Prior to the commencement of the original development as granted, Mr Boyce was to submit documentary evidence of compliance with a number of conditions. These included the installation of a proper wastewater treatment system, and a five year maintenance contract for same.
“None of this information was submitted,” planners stated in their report.
Furthermore, part of the site originally denoted for a sand polishing filter (for wastewater treatment) is currently being used as an area for tents.
In refusing the application, planners said that, to grant permission, would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the rural area.
Tags:
