Core Planning Reasoning
The applicant failed to demonstrate that the existing on-site wastewater treatment system has sufficient capacity to manage the additional effluent load from increased daytime users (staff and residents), which poses a risk of groundwater contamination and is prejudicial to public health.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of development for community care dwellings is supported by the Meath County Development Plan's strategies for community building.
- The traffic movements generated by the proposal are not considered excessive, and concerns regarding sightlines at the entrance could be addressed through specific planning conditions.
- The lack of technical information regarding the wastewater system's capacity to handle a significant increase in daytime occupancy (up to 23 people) on a site with 'Extreme Vulnerability' and a 'Poor Aquifer' is a critical deficiency that warrants refusal.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019Chapter 7 - Community Building StrategySOC POL 2SOC POL 3Policy SOC POL 6
Decision Document Summary
The case relates to a planning application by Nua Healthcare Services to convert an existing single-storey games room and garage into two self-contained one-bed community dwellings at an established residential care facility in Davidstown, Co. Meath. While Meath County Council originally granted permission, the decision was appealed by a third party. The Inspector acknowledged that the development is supported in principle by policy SOC POL 2 and SOC POL 3 of the County Development Plan, which e...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.