2460178
for the development consisting of the following: 1. Construction of 65 no. residential dwellings consisting of: a. 03 no. 4 bedroom 2 storey detached dwellings; b. 21 no. 4 bedroom 2 storey semi- detached dwellings; c. 01 no. 4 bedroom 3 storey terrace dwelling; d. 19 no. 3 bedroom 2 storey semi- detached dwellings; e. 09 no. 3 bedroom 2 storey terrace dwellings; f. 04 no. 2 bedroom 2 storey semi- detached dwellings; g. 08 no. 2 bedroom 2 storey terrace dwellings. 2. New road works along the R334 Cong Road to provide for; a vehicular and pedestrian entrance to serve the development, provision of gateway signage, road re-alignment, together with a pedestrian crossing point. 3. Provision of public and private open spaces, play spaces, bin stores, bicycle parking, site landscaping, revised boundary treatments, and public lighting; 4. Provision of residential carparking including a proportion of electric charging spaces and ducting to all spaces for future electric charging points; 5. Connection to public sewer and public watermain along Cong Road, together with on-site surface water drainage works; 6. Footpath connections, signage locations and all associated site development works and services. A Natura Impact Statement is submitted to the planning authority with this application. Gross floor space of proposed works: 7,807.40 sqm
Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to critical road safety hazards at the site entrance, inappropriate density and layout that fails to integrate with Headford town, and insufficient assessment of flood risks and potential impacts on protected European sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed site entrance on the R-334 is unsatisfactory due to restricted sight distances and the potential for conflicting traffic movements, creating a significant hazard for vulnerable road users.
- The development represents an inappropriate form of development characterized by excessive density and poor placemaking that lacks safe pedestrian connectivity to the town center.
- The planning authority is not satisfied that the proposal would not adversely affect the integrity of the Lough Corrib SAC and SPA due to unresolved concerns regarding residual flood risk and water quality.