Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused because the applicant failed to demonstrate a site-specific rural housing need, the proposed access onto a Strategic Corridor from a non-family holding was deemed unsafe and contrary to policy, and the 2-storey design was considered visually obtrusive and out of character with the rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to establish a genuine site-specific rural housing need for a dwelling in a 'Rural Area Under Strong Urban Influence', making the proposal speculative and contrary to the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines.
- The creation of a new domestic entrance onto the L22078 Strategic Corridor from a non-family landholding contravenes policy RD POL 40 and would interfere with the safety and free-flowing nature of traffic on a strategic route.
- The proposed 2-storey dwelling, by virtue of its height, mass, and scale, would be visually obtrusive and fail to integrate into the rural setting, representing a breach of the Meath Rural House Design Guide.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 1RD POL 2RD POL 3Section 9.4INF POL 20INF POL 21INF POL 22INF OBJ 20INF OBJ 21INF OBJ 22INF OBJ 25RD POL 47RD POL 48RD POL 49RD POL 50RD POL 40Section 9.15.3Section 9.18Meath Rural House Design Guide
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the construction of a 2-storey, 5-bedroom detached dwelling of approximately 338sqm on a 0.3116 ha site at Arodstown, Summerhill, Co. Meath. The site is located within a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence' and fronts onto the L22078, which is identified as a Strategic Corridor. Meath County Council refused permission primarily because the applicant did not demonstrate a functional economic or social requirement to reside in this specific rural area...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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