26/0167
The development consists of Permission for retention of: a) Dwelling house, driveway and vehicular entrance to the site as constructed, in an alternative location to that previously approved under Planning Ref. 2163/79. b) Garage conversion to living accommodation. c) Front porch extension; and Planning Permission for: d) Conversion of the existing dwelling to a community dwelling to accommodate individuals requiring varying levels of living support. e) Construction of a new single-storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling to provide additional living facilities within a community dwelling setting. f) Alterations to elevations of existing dwelling g) Installation of 15 no. solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the existing roof. h) Alterations to existing entrance gates and site boundaries. i) Replacement of existing septic tank with new wastewater treatment system and associated infiltration area. j) All associated site development works, including the provision of 10 no. additional car parking spaces
Core Refusal Reason
The development is situated in an unsustainable rural location lacking connectivity to services and contravenes specific development plan policies regarding residential care accommodation.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site's rural location lacks connectivity to community facilities and services, resulting in a development that is heavily car-dependent.
- The proposal materially contravenes Section 6.6.22 of the Cork County Development Plan 2022 concerning Residential Care Accommodation.
- The development would set an undesirable precedent for similar rural projects, leading to demands for uneconomic service provision and interfering with the character of the rural landscape.