Core Planning Reasoning
The development is considered consistent with the established residential use of the site and, subject to compliance with conditions including the prohibition of habitable use, is in keeping with the character of the area and does not seriously injure the amenities of properties in the vicinity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The retention of the structure for use as a domestic garage is compatible with the existing residential nature of the site and follows the refusal of previous applications for its use as a dwelling.
- Although the 92sqm building is large, it remains subservient in scale and massing to the primary house and has limited visual impact due to its isolated location and screen of mature boundary hedging.
- Potential impacts regarding traffic, wastewater, and residential amenity are mitigated by the fact that the building is not intended for habitable use and will not generate additional traffic beyond that of a typical domestic garage.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024Section 7.1.1Policy NH-P-6Policy NH-P-7Policy AB-P-12Policy UB-P-27Appendix 4
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns an appeal against the decision of Donegal County Council to grant retention permission for a 92sqm detached building for use as a domestic garage at Murvagh Upper, Ballintra. The site is located in a rural, unzoned area designated as 'Especially High Scenic Amenity' and 'High Scenic Amenity'. The Inspector noted a complex planning history where previous attempts to regularize the building as a replacement dwelling or ancillary residential unit were refused. Third-party appel...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.