Exceptionally, proposals for the
provision of tourist or recreational schemes in undeveloped coastal
areas may be granted permission in situations where a coastal
location is essential, provided the development would not lead to an
unacceptable impairment of the amenity of the area.
Many recreational and tourist facilities
depend on a coastal location or the natural beauty of the coastline.
Such facilities are often a valuable resource for large sections of
the population while others can make an important contribution to
the tourist industry. Development can itself however result in
a loss of the visual quality or the tranquil nature normally
associated with the coastline. In determining applications for
recreational or tourist schemes the Department will balance the
advantages of such facilities against the need to preserve the
amenity of the coast.
In general, tourist and recreational schemes and facilities will be
directed to existing urban areas. Exceptionally, proposals on the
undeveloped coastline may be acceptable where the development is
judged to be of considerable regional importance to the tourist
industry and:
- an urban location is not feasible;
- the facility makes use of an
existing unique feature of the coastline.
In addition, it will be important
that:
- the facility, together with
associated access and car parking, etc, can be accommodated in
the local landscape without any serious impairment to the
amenity of the area; and
- the facility is one to which
the general public will have access.
Permission will normally only be
granted where the development can be satisfactorily integrated into
the environment and the proposals include the highest standards in
the siting, design and landscaping of any built development. The
submission of an Environmental Statement may be required.
Favourable consideration may be given to low intensity coastal
recreational uses which are considered to be acceptable in that they
would not lead to an unacceptable impairment to the amenity of the
area.
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