Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in accordance with Policy Objective RH2, as their original family home is located 9.2km from the site, exceeding the maximum 8km radius permitted for 'Rural Links' in an area under strong urban pressure.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not satisfy the 'Rural Links' criteria of Policy Objective RH2 because their family home is 9.2km from the application site, which is beyond the 8km threshold defined in the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028.
- The proposed development is located within the Galway County Transport and Planning Strategy (GCTPS) area, an unserviced rural zone under strong urban pressure where strict housing need requirements must be met to prevent unsustainable development.
- Granting permission would materially contravene the rural housing provisions of the County Development Plan, conflict with ministerial guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, and set an undesirable precedent for similar future developments.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH2Chapter 4 Rural Living and DevelopmentChapter 15 Development Management StandardsPolicy Objective WW10DM Standard 40NHB 2NHB 3NHB 10
Decision Document Summary
F Gannon applied for planning permission to construct a 230sqm two-storey dwelling, domestic garage, and wastewater treatment system on a 0.270HA agricultural site in Athenry, located 4.74km from the town center. The site is situated in a rural area designated as being under strong urban pressure (GCTPS). Although the applicant provided various supporting documents, the Planning Authority determined that they failed to establish a functional or social need to live in this specific area, as their...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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