Core Refusal Reason
The proposal failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, would negatively impact a visually sensitive coastal landscape, and failed to prove site suitability for wastewater treatment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need or a long-standing social link to the area, which is a requirement for development in designated Coastal Areas and along scenic routes under Objectives RHO-3 and RHO-4.
- The proposed 1.5-storey dwelling and granny flat on an elevated site would constitute an incongruous design feature that fails to integrate into the visually sensitive rural landscape, adversely impacting the visual amenity of the area.
- The applicant did not demonstrate that the site is suitable for the safe disposal of effluent, as the proposed wastewater treatment area is located on ground with poor drainage characteristics, posing a risk to public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RHO 3Objective RHO 4Section 2.9 of Volume 2 of MCDP 2022-2028
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed the construction of a 1.5-storey dwelling house, a detached granny flat, and a proprietary wastewater treatment unit at Bunanioo, Currane, Achill. The site is located within a designated Coastal Area and in close proximity to a scenic route and the Corraun Plateau SAC. Mayo County Council refused the application because the applicants did not establish a qualifying rural housing need, the development was considered visually intrusive on an elevated landscape, and the sit...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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