Equestrian centre refused planning for tourism accommodation for second time

For the second time in the space of three months Mullingar Equestrian Centre has been refused planning permission to construct self-catering tourism accommodation at its base on the Ballymahon Road.

The unsuccessful application included details for the erection of five “chalet/cabin units...to facilitate the accommodation demands of visiting tourists”.

In October, the council also refused to grant planning permission for a similar development due to concerns about siting and design.

In its report for the latest application, local planners said that “it is considered that the proposal offers no discernible modification in design or siting”.

“The proposal is not considered modest in scale, sensitively located nor designed have existing topography, landscaped or adequately serviced. Sited with views across open landscape, positioned on stilts with bold materials resulting in striking impact on landscape, not integrated with adjacent building cluster or equestrian buildings.”

Planners also said that the application “also fails to provide adequate justification of tourism demand”.