Yet Another Planning Application For Honeybrook Cottage

Honeybrook Cottage SAT2JULY22

here was something very close to uproar when an application to Wicklow Planning to knock down Delgany’s Honeybrook Cottage surfaced in January 2022.

Sure, even The Irish Times followed-up on our initial story.

We’re always flattered when they do that.

As 2022 progressed, there were a few more attempts – after the initial incomplete application – but all were refused.

And then, in a change of tact, October 2024 saw owner Desmond Donegan filing a pre-validation – but this time, Honeybrook Cottage was no longer on the To Dodo list.

It was only the outbuildings and the front wall that were lined up for the chop. Wicklow Planning nonetheless refused permission yet again. And so, naturally enough, young Desmond is trying yet again.

Filed on April 2nd but only appearing on the Wicklow Planning website today, application no.2460607 reads…

Development consisting of: Demolition of existing outbuildings and front boundary wall, Relocation of existing poles along front of site to allow for a new footpath and vehicular entrance, Construction of 3no. Dwellings and 1no. Commercial unit with 1no. Apartment above, New bicycle store and 15no. parking spaces, New front boundary wall, together with all associated site works, landscaping works, and service connections necessary to complete this development.

Which is a far cry from the 3 retail and office units and 9 residential units first applied for.

There were two conditions for the WCC refusal in 2024, the first being that the proposed development would be contrary to the Wicklow County Council Development Plan 2022-2028, which ‘seeks to protect and preserve architectural heritage and the special character of Architectural Conservation Areas‘. The second had to do with nature, namely the ‘level of mature trees and vegetation proposed to be removed to facilitate the proposed development, the evidence of bats and a significant number of species of birds on the site‘. You can find out more over on Wicklow Planning’s website here.

If you’re bored, you can also check out Honeybrook Cottage’s first survival battle back in 2022 right here.