Core Refusal Reason
Traffic safety hazard arising from the intensification of use on a substandard road network and a private driveway with an excessive gradient and restricted width.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The retention of the basement for storage, the games room, and the conversion of the roof space to bedrooms is acceptable as these elements do not significantly detract from the visual or residential amenities of the area.
- The proposed change of use from a dwelling to a guesthouse is unsustainable due to the excessive gradient of the private driveway and its single-vehicle carrying capacity, which poses a safety risk for entering and exiting traffic.
- The intensification of traffic on the local road, which features poor alignment and an acute bend near the site, would create a significant traffic hazard for both site users and the public, contrary to Policy TOU-P-8.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy TOU-P-6Policy TOU-P-8Chapter 10 of the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-2030
Decision Document Summary
The application concerns a large detached house on a steeply sloping 0.25ha site in Tullygay, Co. Donegal. The proposal involved two components: retention of internal modifications (basement for storage, garage-to-games-room conversion, and attic bedrooms) and the change of use from a private dwelling to a guesthouse (revised from 9 to 6 bedrooms). While the Planning Authority cited traffic, public health (effluent treatment), and noise as reasons for refusal, the Inspector recommended a split d...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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