Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends granting retention permission, overturning the Planning Authority's refusal, on the basis that the modest rear extension is appropriately scaled, complies with residential zoning, and does not negatively impact the amenities of the area, noting that separate unauthorised works on site are a matter for local authority enforcement rather than a reason to refuse this specific application.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 14sqm rear extension is a modest and appropriately scaled addition that maintains sufficient private amenity space (exceeding 25sqm) for the dwelling.
- The development is in accordance with the design and residential amenity standards of the Fingal County Development Plan 2023–2029.
- Potential unauthorised development elsewhere on the site (the side extension) is a matter for the Planning Authority to adjudicate via enforcement and should not preclude the regularisation of the rear extension.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RS - Residential ZoningPolicy SPQHP41Objective SPQHO45Section 14.10.2Section 14.10.4
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns an appeal against Fingal County Council's decision to refuse retention permission for a 14sqm single-storey rear extension at 1 Laurelton, Swords. The Planning Authority refused the application because the site contains a separate unauthorised side extension, arguing that further development would consolidate unauthorised use. The Inspector, however, finds that the rear extension is visually unobtrusive, matches the existing dwelling's materials, and has no negative impact o...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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