Planning refused for glamping site in 'unspoilt' north Clare beauty spot

Clare County Council have refused planning permission for a glamping site in a "unique and unspoilt" part of the Burren.

A planning application was submitted in early July this year for "a glamping site with five glamp units, a reception/services/recreation building with roof mounted PV panels, existing site entrance modifications, access road, parking area, landscaping, on site wastewater treatment system and all associated site works", at Flaggy Shore, near New Quay in north county Clare.

Permission for the development was refused last Tuesday, August 20, by Kieran O'Donnell, adminstrative officer with the council.

In his reasons for refusing permission, Mr O'Donnell cited the "elevated" position of the proposed development above a public road, which would be "incogruous in the rural coastal landscape and would have a detrimental impact on the character of Flaggy Shore".

The development's location "at a remove" from the main townland area of New Quay would contribute to "random rural development at an environmentally and visually sensitive location and would be contrary to the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029".

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The planning authority also wasn't satisfied that the development would not adversely impact designated shellfish waters in the Galway Bay Complex Marine Protected Area, or with plans for dealing with noise, disturbances and access by guests.

The authority also found that the existing local road infrastructure is not suitable to serve such a development without "adverse impact on road safety for all road users."

Up to 18 submissions were made to Clare County Council in regards to this development, with many objecting to the development on similar grounds.

One local resident objected to the influx of visitors, particularly during peak seasons, which would "lead to increased noise levels and pollution levels which will have a significant negative impact on the residents, the environment and wildlife
in the vicinity".

Another local resident objected on the grounds that the development would need to install security lights, which would "subtract from the viewing of Galway city lights in the evening", in a low density population area with minimal light pollution.

Clare County Council also stated that to grant permission for a glamping site at Flaggy Shore would "set an undesirable precedent for similar developments in the area", and that the development would be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development" of New Quay and Flaggy Shore.

No appeal has been lodged yet with An Bórf Pleanála.

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