Planning permission has been granted to transform the Woodstock area in Inistioge, County Kilkenny into a significant tourism and recreation destination for the South East of Ireland.
The project includes renovating disused agricultural stone buildings into tourist accommodations, such as four residences, alongside the construction of sports facilities like an all-weather multi-court and a tennis court.
The development aligns with the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan and follows a business plan established for the Woodstock estate in 2018 aimed at creating a high-quality regional park.
Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum offer a blend of formal and informal gardens, making it a unique destination for relaxation and sightseeing.
Developed during the Victorian Period under Lady Louisa Tighe, the gardens are being restored to reflect their original 1840-1890 state.
The arboretum features numerous champion trees from Asia and South America, adding to the gardens’ allure.
With affordable admission and seasonal opening hours, Woodstock Gardens is an ideal spot for family outings and nature enthusiasts.
The planning application file states: a) renovations to existing disused agricultural stone buildings and for change of use to tourist accommodation to include 4 individually accessed dwellings comprising of 3 no. 2-bed houses and 1 no. 3-bed houses in Building 1 and 2 no. 2-bed houses in Building 2, b) renovation of existing stone building for use as storage shed, c) construction of 1 no all weather multi court pitch and 1 no. all weather tennis court and renovation of existing stone building between courts, d) improvements to existing site entrances, e) installation of secondary wastewater treatment system and polishing filter, f) provision of permeably paved car-parking spaces, g) bin storage stations, h) improvement to landscaping and site boundaries and all ancillary site and other works. This application relates to development which comprises of the carrying out of works to buildings within the curtilage of a protected structure.
The application stated: The proposed development is in accordance with 5.3.3 Woodstock, of the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan, insofar as it contributes to the vision set out in the Business Plan prepared for the Woodstock estate in 2018. This set out a vision of transforming Woodstock into a major tourism and recreation flagship project for the South East. It has a 10-year vision to transform Woodstock into a high-quality regional park which includes a 5-star glamping, lodge and recreational vehicle (RV) resort.”
“In addition the proposed development demonstrates sensitivity to the woodland environment and ensures appropriate protection of the important natural, cultural and architectural features of Woodstock House and setting. While the buildings are in a state of disrepair and require significant work, they retain many significant features and much of the material can repaired and reused as part of the proposal.”
