Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need (local intrinsic links) within a GTPS area, and the site's poor drainage characteristics pose a significant risk to groundwater and public health.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not establish a local intrinsic rural link to the area as required by Objective RHO1 of the Galway County Development Plan 2015-2021 for developments within the Galway Transportation Planning Study (GTPS) area.
- The site exhibits poor drainage characteristics, including waterlogging and the presence of rushes, which, coupled with 'extreme' groundwater vulnerability, prevents the safe disposal of domestic effluent.
- Granting permission would be contrary to the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities and the 2021 EPA Code of Practice, potentially endangering public health and the environment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RHO1Chapter 3Chapter 9Section 9.10.1Section 9.11Chapter 13Section 13.3Section 13.4Policy NHB 1Objective NHB 1Objective NHB 2Objective NHB 3Objective DS 6Objective AFF 5DM Standard 40
Decision Document Summary
Lucia Farrellly applied for permission to construct a 202.8 sqm dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Baile na hAbhann, Co. Galway, a site located within the Galway Transportation Planning Study (GTPS) area and the Gaeltacht. Galway County Council refused the application on two primary grounds: first, the applicant failed to meet the rural housing need criteria (Objective RHO1) as she did not demonstrate sufficient local intrinsic links to the area; second, technical site inspecti...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.