Core Refusal Reason
The site is unsuitable for development due to poor drainage characteristics that prevent safe effluent disposal and proposed ground level alterations that constitute an excessive intervention in the natural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site exhibits poor drainage characteristics and high water levels in test holes, meaning it cannot satisfactorily dispose of treated effluent in accordance with the EPA Code of Practice.
- Granting permission would be prejudicial to public health and pose an unacceptable risk to surface water quality, contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.
- The proposed raising of ground levels to facilitate drainage is considered an excessive intervention that fails to respect the site's natural morphology and context, contravening specific landscape and design policies.
Cited Policies (CDP)
LCM 1DM Standard 8 – Site Selection and Site Design
Decision Document Summary
This application proposed the construction of a 243.90sqm dwellinghouse, waste treatment system, and percolation area at Mountbellew Demesne. Galway County Council refused permission because the site's poor drainage and high water table make it unsuitable for safe effluent disposal under EPA standards. Furthermore, the proposed mitigation of raising ground levels was deemed an excessive intervention that would negatively impact the site's natural morphology and conflict with policy objective LCM...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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