Core Planning Reasoning
The appeal was a first-party appeal against financial conditions only. The Inspector recommended granting permission while amending Condition 27 to reflect a reduced floor area and removing Condition 26 because the Planning Authority failed to justify the special contribution under Section 48(2)(c) of the Act.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- Condition No. 27 regarding the General Development Contribution should be amended to €32,463 to accurately reflect the reduced gross floor area (885.2 sqm) of the 8-unit scheme versus the original 10-unit proposal.
- Condition No. 26 regarding a Special Development Contribution of €50,000 should be removed as it is vague and the Planning Authority failed to specify exceptional costs or demonstrate how the works would benefit this particular development.
- The development is considered appropriate infill housing on zoned land that is well-linked to the town centre and does not pose significant environmental or heritage risks.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028Policy SS5 Small Growth TownsZoning: Residential ExistingGalway County Council Development Contribution Scheme 2016 (revised 2019)
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a residential development at Headford, Co. Galway. Initially proposed as 10 units, the scheme was reduced to 8 semi-detached dwellings following Further Information to improve open space provision and passive surveillance. The site is a greenfield area zoned 'Residential Existing' on the R334 approach to the town. The appeal focused solely on financial contributions. The Inspector found that the Planning Authority incorrectly calculated the general contr...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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