Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development represents an excessive and unsustainable scale of growth for a rural village, lacks a supporting Local Area Plan, and features an inappropriate suburban design that undermines the rural character and traffic safety of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The scale and pace of the development would result in rapid, uneven growth that exceeds the assimilative capacity of Rowlestown, contravening the regional settlement hierarchy and the 'RV' zoning objective to protect rural character.
- The proposal is considered premature and unauthorized in principle as it is not founded on a current Local Area Plan or Masterplan, and fails to demonstrate adequate infrastructural capacity or sustainable transport links.
- The suburban design layout is visually harmful to the rural village setting and the application fails to provide safe vehicular access, sightlines, and set-down facilities for the proposed creche, creating a traffic hazard.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective SS02aObjective SS02bRV land use zoning objectiveObjective PM18Objective RF04Objective DMS129Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a residential development of 21 houses and a creche on a 3.56ha site at the Old Rowlestown National School and Killossery Mill Complex in Rowlestown, Swords. The planning authority refused the application on the grounds that the development would facilitate unsustainable growth patterns in a rural village, exceeding the limits set by the Fingal Development Plan and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. The refusal also highlighted the expiration of the Rowle...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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