Core Planning Reasoning
The development is considered acceptable as it constitutes a replacement dwelling that integrates into the High Scenic Amenity landscape, complies with rural housing policies, and does not negatively impact residential amenity, traffic safety, or the environment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of a replacement dwelling on the site is established and supported by Policy RH-P-7 of the County Donegal Development Plan, as the previous structure was a recognized dwelling.
- Minor deviations from previous permissions regarding siting (a 5.8m shift) and finished floor levels (a 0.3m increase) are considered minor in context and do not significantly impact the landscape or neighboring privacy.
- The development does not result in traffic intensification on the N56 as the net number of dwellings remains unchanged, and Appropriate Assessment screening confirms no significant risk to nearby European sites.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy RH-P-7Policy L-P-2Objective RH-O-4Policy RH-P-9Objective RH-O-5Objective RH-O-6Policy RH-P-1Policy RH-P-2Objective T-O-10Chapter 6 (Housing)Chapter 8 (Infrastructure)Chapter 11 (Heritage)
Decision Document Summary
This report evaluates a retention application for the demolition of a previous dwelling and the construction of a 225.6sqm replacement dwelling at Murroe, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal. The site is located within an 'Area of High Scenic Amenity' and is accessed via the N56. Although a previous permission existed for extension and refurbishment, the applicants demolished the original structure due to structural issues. The Inspector addresses a third-party appeal that cited concerns regarding inaccurat...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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