Core Planning Reasoning
Refusal recommended as the applicant failed to demonstrate a functional economic or social need to reside in an Area Under Strong Urban Influence, combined with significant public health concerns regarding groundwater pollution due to a high water table.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not meet the criteria for a rural-generated housing need under National Policy Objective 19 of the NPF or the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for areas under strong urban influence.
- The development would result in a haphazard and unsustainable form of development in an unserviced area, undermining the settlement strategy of the Development Plan.
- The high water table and proliferation of wastewater systems in the vicinity pose an unacceptable risk of groundwater pollution in an area dependent on private wells.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RUR DEV SP 2RD POL 6RD POL 9Section 9.4 (Persons who are an Intrinsic Part of the Rural Community)Section 8.6.1 (UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne)Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Stackallen, Slane, Co. Meath. While Meath County Council granted permission based on the site's local designation as a 'Low Development Pressure Area,' the Inspector notes that national policy classifies the location as an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence.' The Inspector found that the applicant's occupation is urban-based and fails to demonstrate a demonstrable economic or social need to live in the rural ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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