Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need as they already own a dwelling in a rural area, and failed to provide a Site Characterisation Report compliant with current EPA standards for wastewater treatment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a functional rural housing need in accordance with Section 9.4 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, as land registry records confirmed they already own a dwelling in a rural area (Meath Hill, Drumcondrath).
- The proposed development would be contrary to the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines and the Meath County Development Plan, as it would establish an undesirable precedent for one-off housing where no site-specific need has been established.
- In the absence of a Site Characterisation Report carried out in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice 2021, the Planning Authority could not be satisfied that the proposed wastewater treatment system would not be prejudicial to public health or the environment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RUR DEV SP 2RD POL 6Section 9.4RD POL 9INF POL 18INF POL 20Section 10.5.2
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed the construction of a bungalow, a proprietary wastewater treatment system, and a new entrance at Rathkenny, Navan, Co. Meath, within an area of high landscape sensitivity. Meath County Council refused permission on two main grounds: first, the applicant did not meet the 'local housing need' criteria because they already own a residential property; and second, the application lacked the necessary technical documentation to prove the site could safely manage effluent dispo...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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