Offaly County Council has refused planning permission for a proposed glamping development in Shannon Harbour, citing multiple planning and safety concerns.
The application, submitted in 2024, sought to construct five one-bedroom and two two-bedroom glamping pods on a site within the rural area.
In its decision, the Council concluded that the proposal did not meet the requirements set out in the Offaly County Development Plan 2021–2027. In particular, the development was deemed to lack adequate internal parking arrangements, visibility at the site entrance, and safe exit options for vehicles.
As a result, planners found the project would “endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard” and deemed it contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.
Offaly County Council also raised issues related to the quality of the site layout and pod structures, according to IrelandLive. It noted the absence of adequate landscaping, boundary treatments, and suitable waste storage and collection arrangements.
According to the Council, the proposal fell short of the standards outlined in policy DMS-83 of the County Development Plan, which outlines best practices for caravan, motorhome, glamping, and camping developments.
The plan requires a high standard of integrated design and the inclusion of communal areas and on-site facilities.
“The inappropriate design of the proposed pod structures” was also noted as a contributing factor in the refusal.
The Council emphasized that granting approval for the development would set an “undesirable precedent” for similar proposals that may not meet required design and planning standards.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this decision reinforces the importance of adhering closely to local development plans, particularly in regions with specific guidelines for glamping and camping accommodations.
Developers are advised to prioritize clear access, functional infrastructure, and comprehensive landscaping in their applications. Engaging early with planning authorities and local communities may help address site-specific concerns and improve approval prospects.
The planning refusal reflects a broader trend across Ireland, where local authorities are increasingly scrutinizing alternative accommodations to ensure safety, integration with the surrounding environment, and compliance with local policy.