Plans for a scouting activity centre at Lough Dan, Co Wicklow, could have "a devastating impact" on the lakeshore environment, according to an appeal on behalf of the Luggala Estate.
Together with Friends of the Irish Environment and local residents, the estate, owned by the Hon Garech de Brun, is appealing to An Bord Pleanala to overturn Wicklow County Council's decision to approve the proposed development.
The Scout Association of Ireland (SAI) has sought permission for a substantial building - incorporating an indoor activity centre, offices and catering facilities - and a separate sewage treatment plant on its lakeshore site at Carrigeenshinnagh, near Roundwood. According to the appeal from the Luggala Estate, trading as Barbican International Corporation Ltd, the combined impact of the proposed facilities and the existing activities on the site would "erode the unspoilt character of the area" around Lough Dan.
"Ranged across the site between the road and the lake will be the existing shower/toilet block, the large car-park area, the new activity centre, together with access roads, sewerage plant, pipes and other infrastructural facilities", the appeal says.
The two-storey activity centre building would be particularly obtrusive as seen from across the narrow public road towards the lake and from the nearby Wicklow Way. It would also generate additional traffic and interference with pedestrians. The appeal complains that the design of the activity centre is "particularly insensitive and inappropriate" as it "lacks any architectural character, has no sense of architectural unity [and] reflects in no sense the traditional design characteristics of the area".
Querying Wicklow County Council's decision, Barbican notes that the site is not only designated as a high-amenity area in the county plan, but also as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive.
The site lies within an area where there is a "presumption against granting planning permission" for development, the appeal notes.
A separate appeal, lodged on behalf of Friends of the Irish Environment and 50 named local residents, expresses concern that the sewage load generated by the scouting centre would preclude local people obtaining permission to build further houses in the area.
It also claims the site is prone to flooding, and has flooded twice within the past 20 years. The appeal says questions need to be raised about the proposed sewage treatment plant, which would pump effluent for half a mile prior to its discharge.
Mr Andrew Kelly, a spokesman for the SAI, denies the activity centre would bring more visitors into the area and says the number of people camping overnight at the site would not exceed the permitted 130.
The centre had been designed to provide indoor recreational facilities, particularly in winter or at times of poor weather. " . . . For the most part, the programme at Lough Dan runs from September to May," Mr Kelly says.
He says the scout site is "the only amenity area around the lake that is publicly accessible". All of the other land is privately owned, "so this is the one place where young people can use the lake and gain an appreciation of its environment."
The SAI tries to inculcate care for the environment among its 15,000 members, says Mr Kelly. "Every scout who goes to Lough Dan takes nothing except pictures and leaves nothing but footprints. We're also bringing groups of kids from the urban jungle down there."
Objections on traffic grounds "would only apply if we were increasing the capacity of the site, which we're not," he says. The sewage treatment plant would also improve the environment because it could take the "shock load" of larger events, which are held three times a year, he claims.
The building had been designed for its functionality and trees would be planted around it. Barbican has asked An Bord Pleanala to hold an oral hearing on the issues raised by the appeal.
