Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to the exacerbation of ribbon development in a rural area under strong urban influence, inadequate demonstration of safe visibility splays, and a design that was considered visually obtrusive and out of character with the rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal would constitute an excessive concentration of housing and exacerbate ribbon development in a rural area under strong urban influence, contrary to Policy RD POL 3 of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that required visibility splays could be provided to the necessary standards, meaning the development would endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard.
- The size, scale, and massing of the dwelling were deemed visually obtrusive and out of keeping with the rural character, failing to comply with the Meath Rural House Design Guide and Policy RD POL 9.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RUR DEV SP 2RD POL 1RD POL 2RD POL 3RD POL 9RD POL 43RD POL 44RD POL 48INF POL 18INF POL 20Appendix 13
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed a 268sqm two-storey dwelling and detached garage on a 0.3ha site at Elgarstown, Ratoath, Co. Meath. Although the applicant was found to qualify under local housing need criteria, the site is located in a rural area under 'Strong Urban Influence' where the development would represent the fifth dwelling in a row, leading to undesirable ribbon development. Meath County Council refused permission on the grounds that the proposal would contravene rural settlement policies, fa...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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