Requirement for primary tourism use to be operational before self-catering units become functional

Where self catering units are permitted on the basis of an associated tourist accommodation or a tourist amenity, it is imperative that the primary tourism use which provides the justification is in place and functioning, before the units become operational. The policy therefore requires a condition to be attached to approvals to this effect. Exceptionally, such a condition may not be attached by the planning authority in circumstances where self catering units are to be provided in association with a tourist amenity, such as a golf course, which has a long lead in time prior to it becoming operational. However, this exception will only be applied where there is no hotel or other element of the overall development proposal that could provide a revenue source during the lead-in time required for the tourist amenity.