Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need as they already own a habitable vernacular cottage on the landholding that could be renovated and extended.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not satisfy the local housing need criteria set out in Section 10.4 of the Development Plan, as they are already in ownership of a habitable cottage on the subject landholding.
- The proposed dwelling's length of 19.1m was considered excessive and failed to accord with the design principles established in the Meath Rural Design Guide.
- Granting permission for a new dwelling where a viable renovation and extension option exists would be contrary to the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines and would set an undesirable future precedent.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019Section 10.4RD POL 6RD POL 9RUR DEV SP 2WS POL 29WS POL 32
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the construction of a single-storey dwelling, detached garage, and a new wastewater treatment system at Clondale Beg, Hill of Down, Co. Meath. The site is located within a 'Low Development Pressure Area' and contains an existing vernacular cottage. Meath County Council refused the application because the applicant, who already owns the habitable cottage on the landholding, failed to establish a specific rural housing need for a new-build residence. Furthermore, the scale an...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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