Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, proposed excessive hedgerow removal that would harm rural amenity, and failed to provide a flood risk justification test for a site located in Flood Zones A and B.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation to establish a site-specific rural generated housing need as required for areas under Strong Urban Influence, contravening both local policy and the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines.
- The proposed removal of over 80 meters of roadside hedgerow to achieve required sightlines is considered excessive, contravenes Policy RD POL 41, and would significantly injure the rural amenity of the area.
- The development site is partially located within Flood Zones A and B, and the applicant failed to submit a required 'Justification Test' to demonstrate that the proposal would not be at risk of flooding or increase risk elsewhere.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 6RD POL 9RD POL 41WS POL 29WS POL 32Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027
Decision Document Summary
Bernard Kane sought planning permission for a part storey and a half dwelling, detached garage, and wastewater treatment system at Balgill, Bective, Co. Meath. The application site is located in a rural area and is partially situated within Flood Zones A and B. Meath County Council refused the application on three main grounds: the applicant's failure to prove a local rural housing need, the excessive environmental impact of removing 80m of hedgerow to facilitate road access, and the lack of a f...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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