Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended granting permission (reversing the previous refusal context) because the revised proposal, subject to a condition reducing the first-floor depth, respects the 'Established Development' zoning objective and the character of the existing dwelling without causing undue injury to neighboring residential or visual amenities.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development is consistent with the residential use and 'Established Development' zoning of the site as defined in the Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024.
- While the revised hipped roof and brick finish are superior to the previously refused scheme, the 7.8m depth of the first-floor extension is excessive and must be reduced to 5.3m by condition to prevent overbearance on neighboring properties.
- Potential overlooking and overshadowing issues are sufficiently mitigated through proposed design amendments and the requirement for opaque glazing on specific upper-floor windows.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024Policy UB-P-27Policy UB-P-12Section 6.2Established Development zoning objectiveMap 13.1 (Buncrana)
Decision Document Summary
This Inspector's Report assesses a proposal for a two-storey rear extension and garage demolition at 8 St Oran’s Road, Buncrana. The site currently features a semi-detached, brick-clad house in a mature residential area. A prior application (ABP-310213-21) was refused by the Board due to excessive mass and poor design. The Inspector notes that while the current applicant improved the design by incorporating a hipped roof and matching red brick, the depth of the first-floor extension (increased t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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