Core Planning Reasoning
The development was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine economic or social housing need in a rural area under strong urban influence, and because the site's peaty soil and waterlogged conditions are unsuitable for the safe and sustainable treatment of wastewater.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide substantive information to justify an economic or social need to live in this specific rural area, rendering a grant of permission contrary to Policy RH-P-5 and National Policy Objective 19.
- On-site observations of extensive waterlogging and peaty soil conditions indicate that the site is unsuitable for efficient wastewater treatment, posing a potential risk to public health and the nearby Crana River and Umrycam Bog NHA.
- The proposal would result in a haphazard and unsustainable form of rural development that militates against the preservation of the rural environment and the efficient provision of public services.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Donegal County Development Plan 2018-2024Policy RH-P-1Policy RH-P-2Policy RH-P-5Policy RH-P-9Policy NH-P-7Map 6.2.1 'Rural Area Types'Map 7.1.1 'Scenic Amenity'
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks retention of an access road and permission for a contemporary 331sqm L-shaped house, a detached garage, and a septic tank on a 0.97ha site in Umrycam, Buncrana, Co. Donegal. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'strong urban influence' and within an area of 'moderate scenic amenity' near the Umrycam Bog NHA. While Donegal County Council initially granted permission, the Inspector recommended refusal following a third-party appeal. The Inspector's pr...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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