Core Refusal Reason
The proposal lacks a demonstrated housing need for ancillary accommodation and constitutes overdevelopment in a Greenbelt area, effectively creating an unauthorized independent residential unit.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed 'granny flat' is not justified by a specific housing need for an older or disabled family member, making it tantamount to an unauthorized new residential unit.
- The development would result in the overdevelopment of the existing dwelling's curtilage and set an undesirable precedent for converting ancillary buildings into independent units, particularly where the main house is a second home.
- The site is located within the Bantry Town Greenbelt, and permitting an additional residential unit there would directly conflict with rural planning objectives RP 5-19 and RP 5-20.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RP 5-19RP 5-20Paragraph 6.6.23Paragraph 6.6.24
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed alterations and an extension to an existing garage at Dromleigh South, Bantry, to provide ancillary 'granny flat' accommodation. The local authority refused permission because the applicant failed to demonstrate a specific housing need for a family member, leading the council to view the project as an independent dwelling that would overdevelop the site. Additionally, the site's location within the Bantry Town Greenbelt meant the proposal conflicted with strict developme...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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