Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is prejudicial to public health as the site's subsoil is unsuitable for the effective treatment and disposal of domestic effluent, creating a risk of water pollution.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site exhibits poor drainage and impermeable subsoil characteristics (t-value failure), making it inherently unsuitable for a safe on-site wastewater treatment system.
- Although the applicant established a demonstrable social and economic need to live in the area as a local farmer, this does not outweigh the fundamental public health and environmental constraints of the site.
- Significant adverse impacts on the River Blackwater SAC cannot be ruled out due to the lack of a Natura Impact Statement and the presence of hydrological links via adjoining drains.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy RCI 4-2Policy RCI 4-2(d)Objective GB 1-1Section 4.6.5Section 4.6.6Policy RCI 6-2Policy RCI 6-4
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a 141 m² single-storey dwelling and a proprietary wastewater treatment system on a 0.3 ha site at Knuttery, Burnfoot, Co. Cork. The applicant is a local farmer seeking to build on family-owned lands in an area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence.' While the Inspector acknowledges the applicant's compliance with rural housing need criteria, the report emphasizes that the site is located in an area with high water tables and poor percolation ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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