Core Refusal Reason
The refusal is primarily based on the site's unsuitable soil and drainage conditions for effluent disposal, the applicant's failure to demonstrate a substantiated rural housing need, and the negative visual impact of the proposed dwelling's scale on a sensitive landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a substantiated rural housing need based on intrinsic links to the immediate area, which is a requirement for development in a Rural Area under Strong Urban Pressure.
- The site exhibits poor drainage characteristics, including waterlogged peat and impervious substrates, meaning the safe disposal of domestic effluent cannot be guaranteed, posing a risk to public health and the environment.
- The proposed dwelling, by virtue of its height, scale, and massing on an elevated site within a Class 2 rural landscape, would be an overly prominent feature that detracts from the visual and residential amenities of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RH01Policy LCM 1Objective LCM 1Objective LCM 2Objective RHO 9Section 3.9Section 9.10.1Section 9.11Section 13.3Section 13.4
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a 326.56 sqm two-storey dwelling and a 54 sqm domestic garage at An Chorrbhuaile (Lynch), Co. Galway. The site is located in a rural area under strong urban pressure and is characterized by sensitive Class 2 landscape and poor drainage conditions. Galway County Council refused the application because the applicant did not sufficiently prove a local housing need, the site was deemed unsuitable for wastewater treatment due to peat bog conditions and 'made ground'...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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