Wicklow County Council grants permission for 476-home scheme at Arklow, Co. Wicklow

In context

It is one of 107 housing scheme applications Wicklow County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 1,557 nationally. Of the 3,030 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 79% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 10 December 2024. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues. The applicant sought a 7-year permission, which sets how long they have to start the development.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Wicklow County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

a 7-year permission for a Large-Scale Residential Development. The proposed development will consist of the following: Construction of 476 no. residential units, Communal open space associated with the proposed apartment/duplex units will be provided in the form of landscaped areas located in the vicinity of the apartment units. Public open space in the form of 13 no. local parks. All internal residential access roads and cyclist/ pedestrian paths serving the proposed development. Provision of 930 no. car parking spaces across the development site and 400 no. bicycle parking spaces for residents of the proposed apartments/duplex units. 37 no. visitor bicycle parking spaces are provided throughout the development site. Provision of a new public park facilitating active and passive open spaces to the south of the site, including linear parks, walkways and play areas for structured and natural play, and an area for a playing pitch. Construction of a three-storey mixed use building which will consist of 2 no. Retail units at ground floor level, a community centre and office space at first floor level and the previously mentioned 2 no. two bed-bedroom apartment and 2 no. three bedroom at second floor level. 48 no. car parking spaces & 20 bicycle parking spaces are also proposed for this building. Construction of a two storey Childcare Facility. Temporary upgrade works to the existing Railway bridge to facilitate vehicular access to the proposed development. Construction of part of the Port Access Road, with a temporary junction at its Junction/connection with the proposed northern arterial route/link road including pedestrian and cycle paths, and traffic calming measures. The provision of vehicular access, internal roads, pedestrian and cycle paths to the Community and Education lands. All associated site development works, services provision, infrastructural and drainage works, surface water attenuation & natural attenuation systems, connection to public services and utilities, provision of ESB substations, bin stores, bicycle stores, car parking, public lighting, landscaping, open spaces, and boundary treatment works