Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement

1. Page 271

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation  Holiday homes will not be permitted in any landscape category other than urban zones except where they comply with objectives CPO 11.13, CPO 11.14, CPO 11.15 and CPO 11.16. CPO 11.7 To favourably consider proposals for tourism and recreation related development, which involve the re-instatement, conservation and/or replacement of existing disused buildings and to adopt a positive interpretation to plan policies to encourage such developments. This shall be subject to all other objectives being complied with, and subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. In all areas, preference will be given to the conversion and adaptation of existing buildings rather than the provision of new development on greenfield sites. CPO 11.8 To facilitate the provision of tourist information / interpretive centres and cultural venues at appropriate locations where they can be integrated with existing settlements or existing tourism facilities. CPO 11.9 To facilitate the development of tourism facilities and infrastructure related to the film industry, including film trails / routes, signage and visitor attractions. Accommodation CPO 11.10 To facilitate the development of a variety of quality accommodation types, at various locations, throughout the County. CPO 11.11 To positively consider the development of new hotels5 in all parts of the County, with particular preference for locations in larger settlements (Levels 1-6 of the County settlement hierarchy). In other, more rural locations (villages / rural areas), it must be demonstrated that:  the area proposed to be served by the new development has high visitor numbers associated with an existing attraction / facility;  a need for new / additional hotel type accommodation for these visitors has been identified having regard to the profile of the visitor and the availability and proximity of existing hotels in the area; and  the distance of the location from a significant settlement is such that visitors to the area / attraction are unlikely to avail of existing hotel facilities. CPO 11.12 To positively consider the (part) conversion of existing dwellings to Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)6 and Guesthouses7, to be operated by the owner-occupier of the dwelling. Applications for new build B&Bs / guesthouses will in the first instance be evaluated as private dwellings and the objectives and standards applicable in that area type (e.g. large town, small town, rural area etc) will be applied. CPO 11.13 To require new holiday home / self-catering developments to locate within either established settlements or at established tourism / recreation facilities, other than those developments involving the renovation / conversion of existing buildings. 5 A building, or part thereof, where sleeping accommodation, meals and other refreshments and entertainment, conference facilities, etc., are available to residents and non-residents, and where there is a minimum of twenty rooms en suite. A hotel includes an ‘apart-hotel’. 6 A dwelling house of which part of the bedroom accommodation is available for overnight rental by members of the public and breakfast may be provided as part of the service but no other meals. 7 A building, or part thereof, where sleeping accommodation, meals and other refreshments are available to residents and nonresidents, and which has a minimum of five rooms and no more than nineteen rooms.

2. Page 272

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation CPO 11.14 To require the developers / owners of new holiday homes / self catering developments to enter strict legal agreement (under Section 47 of the Planning & Development Act) with the Planning Authority specifying that:  the units may only be used for tourism purposes and shall not be allowed to be used as a permanent residences;  in the case of small-scale developments8, the entire development, including all buildings, land and any on-site tourist facility, shall be held in single ownership and shall not be subdivided. All units shall be available for short term letting only of a maximum duration of 4 weeks; and  in the case of larger scale developments9, all lands, including any on-site tourist facility shall be held under the management of a single Estate Company (including all lands included in the site boundary and land which adjoins, abuts or is adjacent to the land to be developed and which is under the control of the applicant or the person who owns the land which is the subject of the application) and in the event that any unit is sold or leased, the owner/lessee shall enter a legal agreement with the Estate Company stipulating that the purchaser, lessee and any successors in title be, and remain, members of the Estate Company, and stipulating that the unit may only be used by the owner/lessee for holiday use for a maximum of 3 months in any year and shall at all other times be used/leased/marketed by the Estate Company for short term (maximum 4 weeks) tourism use. CPO 11.15 Holiday home / self-catering developments on a farm holding shall be provided by farmhouse extension or by the utilisation of other existing dwellings / structures on the property. Only where it has been demonstrated that these are not viable options, will permission be considered for new build development. Any new build development shall be in close proximity to the existing farmhouse. CPO 11.16 To facilitate modest camping / glamping facilities as part of farm diversification proposal. In such instances the farm should remain as the predominant land use on the landholding and documentary evidence shall be submitted to substantiate the proposed development. CPO 11.17 To facilitate the development of hostels10 and alternative accommodation offerings along established walking / hiking routes and adjacent to existing tourism / recreation facilities. CPO 11.18 To encourage touring caravan and camping/glamping sites to locate adjacent to or within existing settlements or established tourism facilities (subject to the exclusion set out in Objective CPO 11.6), having due regard to surrounding land uses and proper planning and development of the area. CPO 11.19 To give sympathetic consideration to the improvement of, and extension to, existing tourist accommodation related developments, subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, and subject to compliance with all other objectives of this plan. CPO 11.20 To resist consent for change of use of purpose built holiday homes to permanent residential use unless it can be demonstrated that the development would comply with relevant design standards for permanent occupation, as well as the development objectives including occupancy controls where applicable for that location, whether town, village or rural area. 8 Small-scale holiday home / self-catering developments are generally those associated with on-farm accommodation and smallscale tourist attractions or developments, and would not normally be in excess of 10 units. 9 Large-scale holiday home / self-catering developments are generally those associated with significant tourism / recreation complexes such as hotels, golf courses, adventure centres etc. 10 A building, or part thereof, which would provide meals, sleeping accommodation and maybe other refreshments and entertainment to residents only, and is other than a hostel where care is provided.

3. Page 273

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation Integrated Tourism / Leisure / Recreational Complexes Integrated tourism / leisure / recreational (ITLR) complexes are medium to large-scale leisure and recreational developments that will often include accommodation facilities. The development of a limited number of exceptionally high quality integrated tourism, leisure and recreational complexes at appropriate locations, particularly untraditional tourist locations, can have positive results in terms of realising the creation of new tourism products and in terms of promoting tourism growth. They will normally include some of the following uses: Hotel and associated facilities, restaurants / cafes, conference centre, golf course, equestrian centre, trekking centre, fitness centre, indoor/outdoor water facility, fishing facility, indoor/outdoor ski centre, museums/art galleries, nature trails, walking routes and associated facilities. They may also include tourist related residential and retail facilities that are ancillary to the main tourist attraction. CPO 11.21 To support development at existing / proposed integrated tourism / leisure / recreational complexes at the following locations:  Druids Glen Golf Club, Woodstock Demesne (Map 11.01);  Brook Lodge, Macreddin West, Aughrim (Map 11.02);  Rathsallagh House, Dunlavin (Map 11.03).  Belmont Demesne, Greystones (Map 11.04) CPO 11.22 To consider applications for the development of further ITLR facilities having regard to:  accessibility from the east and west transport corridors;  accessibility to major towns and/or centres of population;  proximity to designated tourism/visitor areas;  the existence of other such facilities or major tourist accommodation sites in the vicinity;  the adequacy of the site area and site features to accommodate a range of integrated tourist / leisure / recreational activities; and  the Planning Authority will support the development of integrated tourism/leisure/recreational complexes on estate holdings with large estate houses that are directly attached to villages or towns. CPO 11.23 To require all applications for development at identified or new ITLR sites to comply with the following requirements:  Development shall be carried out on the basis of an integrated, comprehensive master plan and business plan, to be agreed at the outset of the development with the Planning Authority;  the development as a whole shall be held in the single ownership of the developer. In the event that certain elements of the development will require to be sold / leased to make the project viable, this shall be stated at the outset and measures proposed to operate / manage / market the entirety of the facility as a single entity;  any holiday home / self catering type accommodation proposed as part of the facility shall accord with CPO 11.14; and  all development shall be so designed to respect the character of the area and any existing heritage features on the site, including demesne houses or other protected features. Other Visitor Facilities CPO 11.24 The Planning Authority will encourage the opening up of heritage Country houses for sympathetic uses including – but not limited to, for use as places of Retreat, Study and Education subject to the following criteria being fulfilled:  The facility shall be accommodated within the existing house or a small scale sympathetic extension thereto;

4. Page 274

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation  the house shall be of a sufficient size to provide the facilities required including overnight accommodation, restaurant / dining facilities and meeting / seminar facilities;  courses shall be operated by the house owner; and  visitor stay shall be short term only. Any development of such estates should have regard to the following criteria within an overall planning application:  proximity to existing tourism/visitor areas;  an adequate site area to provide the appropriate facilities without compromising the existing attractions of the location;  the preservation of the character of the existing landscape; and  any development, including ancillary residential shall be retained in single or common ownership and/or shall be the subject of a concise legal management contract that ensures the continued future appropriate maintenance and management of the property. Tourism & Recreation Infrastructure CPO 11.25 To promote and facilitate improvements to tourism and recreation infrastructure within the County. The Planning Authority will favourably consider proposals for developments that place a particular emphasis on improving traffic flow, sign posting, car parking facilities and touring caravan facilities, service/rest facilities etc subject to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, and the objectives of this plan. CPO 11.26 To cooperate with Wicklow County Tourism, Fáilte Ireland and other appropriate bodies in facilitating the development and erection of standardised and branded signage for tourism facilities and tourist attractions. CPO 11.27 To positively consider applications for new developments that provide facilities and services for travelling tourists (such as rest facilities, cafes, etc) at appropriate locations in the County. Only where it is not viable or convenient to provide such services in existing settlements / established visitor facilities, will alternative locations be considered and these should be conveniently located adjacent to the national road network. CPO 11.28 To promote the development of infrastructure to support tourist driving trails around Wicklow - ‘a circle of Wicklow’ - taking in villages. CPO 11.29 To support tourist/visitor park and ride facilities at appropriate locations that will facilitate access to upland amenity areas as may be identified in the Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park Masterplan, or by strategies / plans of the Wicklow Outdoor Recreation Committee, Wicklow Tourism or other tourism agencies. Tourism and Recreation Themes & Products CPO 11.30 In conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, to support the development of Bray, Wicklow-Rathnew, Arklow, Greystones-Delgany, Blessington, Baltinglass, Enniskerry, Kilcoole, Newtownmountkennedy, Rathdrum and Tinahely – Shillelagh - Carnew (south west Wicklow) as tourism hubs. CPO 11.31 To support and promote the development of rural towns and villages, particularly those distant from the largest centres (as detailed in Objective 11.30) such as in west and south west Wicklow, as local tourism hubs particularly with respect to the provision of accommodation and service bases for outdoor recreation activities.

5. Page 275

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation CPO 11.32 To develop Wicklow-Rathnew as a recreation and tourism hub and its designation by Fáilte Ireland as a Destination Town due to its attractive coastal location, heritage assets and its proximity to key destinations such as the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Brittas Bay and the key attractions within the town including the Wicklow Gaol, the Murrough, coastal walks, beaches, architectural heritage, sports facilities and as a terminus of the planned Greystones – Wicklow Coastal Route. CPO 11.33 To encourage eco-tourism projects11 or those tourism projects with a strong environmentally sustainable design and operational ethos. CPO 11.34 To facilitate and promote the development of small-scale tourist enterprises that are developed in conjunction with established rural activities such as agriculture. Such enterprises may include open farms, health farms, heritage and nature trails, pony trekking etc. CPO 11.35 To support the development of a strategic national network of walking, cycling, horse riding and water-based trails. CPO 11.36 Support and facilitate the delivery of the Blessington Greenway and the South Wicklow Greenway Arklow to Shillelagh including facilities ancillary to these routes (such as sign posting, car parks) and the development of linkages between these trails and other local routes. CPO 11.37 To support and promote the development of tourism infrastructure, services and accommodation so located so as to service and support users of the Blesssington Greenway and future extensions thereto, in particular (but not limited to) those located in the following settlements – Blesssington, Ballyknockan, Lackan and Valleymount – with particular support for developments that include the renovation of existing building stock, especially historic / vernacular buildings’. CPO 11.38 To protect and enhance existing and support the development of new walking, cycling and horse riding routes / trails12, including facilities ancillary to trails (such as sign posting and car parks) and the development of linkages between trails in Wicklow and adjoining counties. In particular, to encourage and facilitate:  on-road cycling routes across the Wicklow Mountains (in particular across the Sally Gap) and along coastal routes;  the development of a new trail from Bray Head, via the Sugarloaf Mountains, joining up with The Wicklow Way;  trails in West Wicklow;  the development of a lakeshore trail around the Vartry reservoir;  the development of a trail along the disused Great Southern and Western Railway line (Naas to Tullow branch) through Dunlavin and Baltinglass subject to consultation and agreement with landowners;  the development of a coastal route from Bray to Arklow as well as links between this potential route and the coast road;  The Wicklow Way and St. Kevin's Way (as permissive waymarked routes).  The Wicklow to Glendalough “pilgrim walk” incorporating ancient wells.  ‘Mountains to the Sea’ amenity route incorporating Glendalough, Laragh, Annamoe, Roundwood, Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole-Newcastle.  The development of an amenity and active travel route between the Bray Harbour area northwards to the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown administrative area to provide for future connection to the proposed Woodbrook DART station. 11 Ecotourism is now defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education" (International Ecotourism Society TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests. 12 In addition to those set out in Objective 11.36

6. Page 276

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation CPO 11.39 To support the development of craft/artisan centres at established tourist facilities. CPO 11.40 To promote and facilitate new and high quality investment in the tourism industry in Wicklow, with particular reference to tourist and recreation activities that relate to one or more of the following themes: Ireland’s Ancient East, Christian and pre-Christian heritage, mining heritage, scenic beauty, houses and gardens, waterways. CPO 11.41 To support the development of Avoca Mines as a tourist attraction having due regard to the public safety issues associated with historical mine sites. The development of a mining heritage centre could incorporate a range of projects incorporating tourism, nature exploitation, scientific and ecological research, adventure, craftwork and environmental projects. Any development shall accord with the principle of sustainable tourist development and shall particularly ensure the preservation and enhancement of mining heritage. CPO 11.42 To promote, in co-operation with landowners, recreational users and other relevant stakeholders, on the basis of “agreed access”, the more extensive use of the coastal strip for such activities as touring, sight-seeing, walking, pony trekking, etc. as a tourism and recreational resource for the residents of County Wicklow and other visitors. CPO 11.43 To promote and encourage the recreational use of coastline, rivers and lakes and the development of ‘blueways’13 in the County subject to normal environmental protection and management criteria. Where such recreational uses involve the development of structures or facilities, the Planning Authority will ensure that the proposals will respect the natural amenity and character of the area, listed views and prospects onto and from the area in question. Where possible, such structures should be set back an appropriate distance from the actual amenity itself and should not adversely affect the unique sustainable quality of these resources. CPO 11.44 To support and facilitate the development of Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation as a significant tourism asset. CPO 11.45 To develop Arklow as an Eco Educational Tourism destination and support and facilitate the development of the ‘Harbour to Headwaters’ Eco Educational Tourism trail project on the Avoca River Catchment, which includes NORRI Oyster Restoration Reef and East Wicklow River Trusts Avoca Vision Project, two interconnected environmental restoration projects of significant importance. CPO 11.46 To support the development of the following outdoor recreation hubs/clusters – Glendalough, Rathdrum, Blessington-Baltinglass, Tinahely-Shillelagh and East Coast Maritime. CPO 11.47 To support the development of the Hillfort Complex at Baltinglass as a cultural and educational attraction. CPO 11.48 Support the preparation, delivery and implementation of a Visitor Experience Masterplan for Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park and Visitor Orientation Plan for County Wicklow in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, NPWS and the OPW. CPO 11.49 Support the development of Avondale House and Forest Park into a state of-the-art visitor attraction, including (but limited to) visitor information and orientation services, and outdoor 13 Blueways are recreation and tourism initiatives centred on outdoor activity along the environs of waterways. Blueways provide opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities such as canoeing, cycling and walking.

7. Page 277

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   Proposed Draft Wicklow County Development Plan 2021-20 Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028 27 Chapter 11 | Tourism and Recreation recreational attractions and facilities, with strong linkages to Rathdrum and surrounding amenities and villages. Environmental Protection CPO 11.50 Where relevant, the Council and those receiving permission for development under the plan, shall manage any increase in visitor numbers and/or any change in visitor behaviour in order to avoid significant environmental effects, including loss of habitat and disturbance. Management measures may include ensuring that new projects and activities are a suitable distance from ecological sensitivities; visitor/habitat management plans will be required for proposed projects as relevant and appropriate. CPO 11.51 Ensure the potential environmental effects of a likely increase in tourists/tourism-related traffic volumes in particular locations/along particular routes shall be considered and mitigated as appropriate. Such a consideration should include potential impacts on existing infrastructure (including drinking water, wastewater, waste and transport) resulting from tourism proposals. CPO 11.52 Where projects for new tourism projects identified in this chapter are not already provided for by existing plans / programmes or are not already permitted, then the feasibility of progressing these projects shall be examined, taking into account planning need, environmental sensitivities as identified in the SEA Environmental Report and the objectives of the plan relating to sustainable development. Tourism Zoning CPO 11.53 To provide for tourism development at Jack Whites, as shown on Map 11.05.

8. Page 278

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   CREOW EN (a) CREOW EN (Part of) a BALLYCRONE W OODSTOCK DEMESNE BALLYPHILIP KILMULLIN SLATE LEABEG UPPER Wicklow County Council Planning Department Zoning for Integrated Tourism/Leisure/ Recreational Complex Druids Glen Golf Club, Woodstock Demesne Map No. 11.01 Legend Tourism / Leisure / Recreational Complex Scale 1:10,000 @A4 © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved Licence number 2022/35/CCMA/Wicklow County Council WICKLOW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028

9. Page 279

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   Baile Críonaire Ballycreen Lower Íochtarach Sheeanabeg (whaley) Sheeanabeg (robeck) Maigh Chríodáin Macreddin West Thiar Eachroim Aughrim Upper Uachtarach Maigh Chríodáin Macreddin East Thoir Wicklow County Council Planning Department Zoning for Integrated Tourism/Leisure/ Recreational Complex Brook Lodge, Macreddin West, Aughrim Map No. 11.02 Legend Tourism / Leisure / Recreational Complex Scale 1:10,000 @A4 © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved Licence number 2022/35/CCMA/Wicklow County Council WICKLOW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028

10. Page 280

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    RATHSALLAGH BALLINTAGGART BALLYHURTIM OLDCOURT CROSSOGE GRIFFINSTOWN GLEN BALLYLEA RATHSALLAGH DEMESNE Wicklow County Council Planning Department Zoning for Integrated Tourism/Leisure/ Recreational Complex Rathsallagh House, Dunlavin Map No. 11.03 Legend Tourism / Leisure / Recreational Complex Scale 1:12,000 @A4 © Ordnance Survey Ireland. All rights reserved Licence number 2022/35/CCMA/Wicklow County Council WICKLOW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2022-2028

Source Wicklow County Council: Wicklow County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1 Written Statement (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.