Core Refusal Reason
The proposed siting of the dwelling at the rear of the site, necessitating an excessive 65-metre driveway, is considered visually intrusive and harmful to the rural landscape character.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed siting of the dwelling to the rear of the landholding necessitates an excessive 65-metre access driveway that would unnecessarily scar and fragment the rural landscape.
- The significant setback from the public road and overall site layout fail to integrate satisfactorily with the existing landscape character, creating an undesirable precedent for similar development.
- The development is contrary to Policy Objective CPO 16.32 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027, which requires rural dwellings to be appropriately integrated into the landscape to minimize visual impact.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 16.32
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a bungalow-type dwelling, detached garage, and proprietary effluent treatment system at Corkan Rathconrath, Skeagh, Co. Westmeath, within a 'Rural Area Under Strong Urban Influence'. While the design of the house was acceptable, Westmeath County Council refused the application primarily due to its siting at the rear of the site. The resulting 65-meter driveway was deemed a visual intrusion that would adversely affect the rural character and set a poor prece...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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