Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development constitutes unsustainable haphazard backland development in a rural area under strong urban influence and high scenic amenity, further complicated by inadequate technical documentation regarding wastewater treatment which poses a risk to public health.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in unsustainable haphazard backland development that sets an undesirable precedent for the expansion of suburban-style housing into an 'Area of High Scenic Amenity'.
- Significant technical anomalies in the Site Characterisation Assessment Report mean it has not been proven that wastewater can be treated safely, rendering the proposal prejudicial to public health.
- While the applicant demonstrated a rural housing need, the proposed siting fails to assimilate into the landscape and is contrary to the rural housing policies of the Donegal County Development Plan 2024-2030.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy RH-P-1Policy RH-P-9Policy L-P-2Policy BIO-P-1Policy TS-P-1Table 16.5NPF Objective 19
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a 2-storey detached house (242sq.m.) and garage on a 0.53ha site at Castlewray, Letterkenny. The site is located in a rural area designated as 'Under Strong Urban Influence' and 'High Scenic Amenity'. Although the Planning Authority granted permission, a Third Party appeal was lodged by a neighbor. The Inspector's assessment found that the site, situated behind an existing family home and away from the established cluster of dwellings, would constitute inappro...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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