Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development would involve a new entrance and intensification of traffic onto the R154, a designated Strategic Corridor, which would interfere with the free flow of traffic, endanger public safety, and conflict with specific policies (RD POL 38 and RD POL 40) of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants successfully demonstrated an intrinsic link and functional need to live in the rural area in accordance with the Meath Rural Settlement Strategy and National Planning Framework objectives.
- While technical issues regarding wastewater treatment and visibility splays were resolved through revised documentation submitted during the appeal, the fundamental policy objection to new access on a Strategic Corridor remains.
- The proposed access onto the R154 would result in an intensification of traffic movements on a high-speed regional road, undermining its strategic function and setting an undesirable precedent for one-off housing on protected routes.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 38RD POL 39RD POL 40RD POL 48RD POL 49RD POL 6RUR DEV SP2Section 9.4Section 9.5.1Section 9.15.2Section 9.15.3
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks permission for a single-storey dwelling (250sqm), a wastewater treatment system, and a new domestic entrance on a 0.65ha site at Clonfane & Oakstown, Co. Meath. The site is located on the R154 regional road, a designated Strategic Corridor with an 80km/h speed limit. Meath County Council refused permission on three grounds: traffic hazard/strategic route policy, lack of visibility splays, and non-compliance with the 2021 EPA wastewater code. In her assessment, the Inspector...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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