A commercial/ residential development in the heart of the old city centre has been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanala, on the basis of its scale and close proximity to a number of protected structures and the Trinity Within Architectural Conservation Area.
The application by Northern Irish property developer, Gerard O’Hare, for the construction of a 5-7 storey mixed-use development including 68 apartments and commercial space off High Street and Exchange Street was previously refused planning permission by Waterford City Council. In an appeal, Mr O’Hare said the development would not only improve the retail function but also ‘the bland character’ of Exchange Street.
A report by the Bord Pleanala Inspector said the proposed development’s design, scale, bulk and height would adversely affect the character, setting , distinctiveness and
special interest of the neighbouring protected structures on the South Quays and Architectural Conservation Areas.
A complete lack of car parking facilities/set down areas and inadequate provision of quality open space was also noted.
