The Scout Association of Ireland has expressed its disappointment over a decision by An Bord Pleanala to refuse planning permission for a new activity centre on the shores of Lough Dan in Co Wicklow.
But a spokesman for the Hon Garech Browne, who appealed against the scheme, said he was "very pleased" with the outcome, which he saw as "the only possible solution to protect the lakeshore environment".
Mr Browne, who owns the 14,000-acre Luggala estate around Lough Dan, had appealed last August against Wicklow County Council's decision to grant permission for an activity centre at Carrigreenshinnagh, near Roundwood.
The largely two-storey building, designed by Wicklow-based Theo Phelan Design, was to have an indoor activity centre, offices and catering facilities beside the Lough Dan Adventure Centre, which was developed by the Scout Association some years ago. Mr Browne claimed the centre would have a "devastating impact" on the environment and that its design was "particularly insensitive and inappropriate". A separate appeal was lodged by Friends of the Irish Environment on behalf of 50 local residents.
In its ruling, An Bord Pleanala said the site was in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as designated in the Wicklow plan, and the centre would conflict with the policy of controlling development in this area.
"It is considered that the proposed development by reason of its design, size, mass and bulk and the extent of car-parking on the site would militate against preservation of the rural character and scenic qualities of the area," the appeals board ruled.
The decision order signed by Mr Lewis Clohessy, one of its longest-serving members, said the Scout Association's scheme would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and so would be contrary to its proper development.
The board also considered that the proposed development would generate significant additional traffic on a "seriously substandard" minor road and this would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and obstruction of road users.
Last August, after the appeals had been lodged, a scouting spokesman said objections on traffic grounds "would only apply if we were increasing the capacity of the site". He insisted not more than 130 scouts would camp overnight.
The spokesman, Mr Andrew Kelly, said the centre had been designed to provide indoor recreational and shower facilities and a new sewage treatment plant.
Apart from scouts, it would cater for "groups of kids from the urban jungle", he added.
Yesterday Mr Kelly said the Scout Association was very disappointed with the planning board's decision to refuse permission. He said the matter would be discussed at a management committee meeting next Saturday.
