Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to adequately demonstrate a substantiated rural housing need under Policy Objective RH2 and the proposed development would negatively impact a highly sensitive 'Special' Class 3 Lake Environs Landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not satisfy the criteria for an intrinsic rural link or economic need to reside in this rural area, as their primary residence and employment are located within the Galway City boundary.
- The retention of numerous sheds and containers combined with the new dwelling would result in significant visual clutter, failing to effectively assimilate into the designated Class 3 Special Landscape.
- Although the Inspector disagreed with the Planning Authority on technical grounds regarding sightlines and unauthorized development consolidation, the fundamental breaches of rural housing and landscape policies warrant a refusal.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH2DM Standard 28Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2Policy Objective LCM 3Policy Objective RH9
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks permission for a 90.8sqm dwelling and the retention of 11 existing storage structures (sheds and containers) on a 0.44ha site at Poll na Cloiche, Moycullen. The site is situated in a rural area under strong urban pressure and is within a 'Special' Class 3 Lake Environs Landscape. While the applicant argued for a need based on an existing horticultural business and local community involvement, the Inspector found that they did not demonstrate 'functional dependence' on the l...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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