Core Refusal Reason
The proposal fails to comply with development standards for ancillary accommodation and house extensions, while providing insufficient evidence regarding the capacity of the existing wastewater treatment system.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed conversion and extension of the garage to guest accommodation contravenes DM Standard 5 as it lacks a demonstrated bona-fide need and presents as an independent housing unit rather than ancillary accommodation.
- The scale, design, and fenestration pattern would result in undue overlooking of adjacent properties and fails to reflect a subservient relationship to the main dwelling house, contrary to DM Standard 4.
- Insufficient information was submitted to demonstrate that the existing septic tank system has the capacity to safely treat additional effluent, which would be prejudicial to public health and contrary to Policy Objective WW6.
Cited Policies (CDP)
DM Standard 4DM Standard 5Policy Objective WW6Chapter 2Chapter 7Chapter 12Chapter 14Chapter 15DM Standard 11DM Standard 36DM Standard 67
Decision Document Summary
The applicants sought permission to convert and extend an existing detached domestic garage at Gortard, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, to provide a guest bedroom, bathroom, living room, and storage attic. Galway County Council refused the application because the proposal failed to justify the need for the unit under standards for dependent accommodation, the design was deemed to have a negative impact on the privacy of neighboring residents, and there was a lack of technical detail regarding the suit...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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