212477

for the construction of 10 no. residential units (2 no. 4 bed detached dwellings, 4 no. 3 bed semi-detached dwellings and 4 no. 2 bed terraced dwellings) and all associated site works, vehicular entrances, infrastructure connections and boundary adjustments. Gross floor space of proposed works: 1,187. sqm

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The development was refused due to its substandard and haphazard layout, lack of safe pedestrian connectivity to the wider footpath network, and the resulting traffic hazard created on a narrow, unlit road shared with vehicular traffic.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The site's peripheral location and the lack of pedestrian facilities along the L53871 make the proposed high-density development unsafe and highly dependent on private car trips, leading to potential traffic hazards.
  • The layout is qualitatively substandard, appearing as two disconnected schemes with peripheral communal open space and a 'home zone' that lacks safety and oversight from the dwellings.
  • The proposal constitutes haphazard and piecemeal development that fails to respect the established character of the area and does not meet the standards for high-quality sustainable residential communities.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective TI 11Objective WW 7Policy SS1Section 2.8 (Bearna Metropolitan Settlement Plan)Policy Objective BMSP 1Policy Objective BMSP 19Policy BMSP 7Section 15.2.3Table 15.1DM Standard 1Objective LU2DM1 (Section 3.1)

Decision Document Summary

The applicant, Martina Connolly, sought permission for 10 residential units on a 0.49-hectare site at An Leac Liath, Barna, Co. Galway. The site is located at the southern end of Lacklea Road, a narrow minor road currently lacking footpaths and public lighting. While the lands are zoned for Phase 1 residential development under the Galway County Development Plan, the Inspector determined that the proposed density and layout were inappropriate for the site's 'peri-urban' context. Despite revision...
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