An appeal has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála after Waterford City and County Council refused permission for a proposed motor home park and glamping development in Tramore. The application, lodged by Aengus Rory Walsh on October 29, 2024, sought approval for a large tourism project at Tramore Burrow, Co. Waterford.

The proposal outlined a motor home park covering 11,420sqm with 52 pitches, including three accessible spaces, alongside four fully accessible, family-friendly glamping pods. Planned facilities included seven electricity and water service points, a waste disposal point, bin storage, bicycle stands, landscaping, and a set-down area.

A 126.8sqm ancillary building was to provide reception and waiting areas, staff facilities, disabled and gender-segregated bathrooms and changing rooms, as well as separate single-storey kitchen and laundry buildings. The plans also featured a 102.9sqm surf club building with a lobby, reception, changing rooms, wetsuit and board storage, and a rooftop terrace with a canopy.

Additionally, a 1,458sqm street food plaza was proposed, consisting of space for eight food trucks, bin storage, landscaping, and a two-storey café building with kitchen, seating areas, terrace, signage, and associated services.

The council sought further information in December 2023, which the applicant provided in September 2024. Despite this, planning permission was refused on October 7, 2024. The council’s decision centred on concerns raised by Uisce Éireann regarding water and wastewater infrastructure. Officials stated they were not satisfied that the development would avoid negatively impacting public water and wastewater systems, deeming the proposal potentially prejudicial to public health. They concluded the project would be premature until identified issues with Uisce Éireann assets were resolved and therefore contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.

The refusal was appealed on November 3, 2024. An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected to issue its decision by March 18, 2026.

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