Core Planning Reasoning
The applicant failed to demonstrate a functional economic or social need to reside in an area under strong urban influence, and the development poses a risk to groundwater quality due to the proliferation of wastewater treatment systems in an area with high groundwater vulnerability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant's employment is urban-based in Blanchardstown, and they have not demonstrated a defined social or economic need to live in this rural area under strong urban influence as required by national policy.
- The development would result in a haphazard and unsustainable form of development in an unserviced area, militating against the preservation of the rural environment.
- The proliferation of domestic wastewater treatment systems in an area with high groundwater vulnerability and reliance on private wells poses a significant risk of groundwater pollution.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027RUR DEV SP 2RD POL 4RD POL 5RD POL 9Objective 19 of the National Planning FrameworkSustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2005)
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns an appeal against Meath County Council's decision to grant permission for a storey-and-a-half house and domestic garage at Headstown, Navan, Co. Meath. The 0.764-hectare site is accessed via a private laneway serving 'The Courtyard' residential development. While the local authority deemed the proposal acceptable, the Inspector found that the applicant does not satisfy the 'local need' criteria because their occupation is not intrinsically linked to the rural area. Furthermo...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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