A proposed development in Fitzwilliam Sqaure in Wicklow Town has been refused planning permission by Wicklow Town council. The planning application put forward by James Healy for the site at Phil Healy’s pub was for the demolition of the pub and a residence at the corner and its replacement with a 4 storey residential and commercial mixed use building. Included in the plans was 1 penthouse apartment, 4 1 Bed Apartments, and 5 2 bed apartments. The ground and first floor would have provided 1058 sq meters of retail and commercial premises.

The town council refused permission for the development for 4 reasons :

1. The proposed structure is not sympathetic to the established architectural heritage and character of Fitzwilliam Square and is visually unattractive and obtrusive.

2. The proposed development would constitute a serious negative impact on the amenity of the existing adjacent unit (Connolly’s Mans Shop)

3. The proposed development contravenes the Residential Development Density Objectives of the Wicklow Town Development Plan.

4. The proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard due to its location at the junction of Fitzwilliam Sqaure/Church Street.

I wrote a submission to the town council objecting to the planning application and I am glad permission was not granted. I’ve never objected to any development in the town, but have shook my head in wonder at some of the developments which have been allowed to take place recently. The ugly building beside the tennis court housing xtravision is one example. The new building beside the St. Vincent de Paul shop at The Mall is another.

I said to myself that I couldn’t let this application go by without making my voice heard and I’m glad I did. I’ve often watched those “house in the country” type programmes and seen small towns and villages in England which look wonderful with shop fronts in keeping with the character of the town. An example of a good shopfront in Wicklow is “The Butler’s Pantry”. We need more development like this, rather than ugly looking structures like the one proposed for Fitzwilliam Square.

The applicant can appeal the town council decision to An Bord Pleanala of course, so the story might not be over but at least round 1 has been won for common sense!