Core Refusal Reason
The proposed 80sqm outbuilding is considered excessive in scale and residential in design, exceeding the ancillary needs of the dwelling and conflicting with rural housing design guidelines, particularly given the existing large-scale garage capacity on site.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The size and scale of the proposed 80sqm outbuilding is considered excessive and over and above the needs of the dwelling, especially in light of the existing large-scale garage/store room already present on the site.
- The design of the structure is more akin to a residential unit than a domestic garage, making it out of character with the existing pattern of development and contrary to the amenities of the area.
- The development fails to accord with the Wicklow rural house design guide, which indicates that garages in excess of 40sqm are not normally permitted, and would set an undesirable precedent for similar large-scale developments.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Appendix 1 Development and Design StandardsAppendix 2: Single Rural Houses Design GuidelinesLandscape Hierarchy 3: Area of High Amenity - South East Mountain Lowlands
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought the retention and completion of an 80sqm outbuilding at Ballinvally Lower, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, on a site located within an Area of High Amenity. The subject site already contains a dwelling and a large garage complex resulting from three previous planning permissions. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the cumulative scale of outbuilding space was deemed excessive for ancillary domestic use and the design appeared more residential than functional. The ins...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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