Core Refusal Reason
Grant of permission recommended as the proposal, despite being on a national secondary route (N71), includes significant sightline improvements that enhance overall traffic safety, and the applicant has a demonstrated rural-generated housing need as a next-generation farmer with no alternative access.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant has a legitimate rural housing need as a farmer taking over a family holding, and the use of marginal land for the site preserves high-quality agricultural ground.
- While TII policy generally restricts intensification of access onto national roads, the proposed upgrading of sightlines to DMRB standards provides a significant net safety benefit for all users of the existing shared entrance.
- The proposed single-storey dwelling is sensitively designed and sited within a High Value Landscape, ensuring that visual impacts are minimized through appropriate landscaping and topography.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028RP 5-4RP 5-5RP 5-22RP 5-23RP 5-25Objective 14-14TM 12-1TM 12-8TM 12-13EC: 8-15EC 8-14Objective RPO 151
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a single-storey 'H-plan' dwelling and a wastewater treatment plant on a 0.45-hectare site at Knockroe, Ballydehob. The site is part of a larger 11.5-hectare beef suckler farm. The primary point of contention is the access via an existing shared entrance onto the N71 National Secondary Route. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) appealed the initial grant of permission, arguing that the development constitutes an unsafe intensification of traffic on a n...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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