Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to inappropriate architectural design, potential adverse impacts on a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), flood risk/groundwater vulnerability, and inadequate traffic sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed modular-style dwelling is considered visually incongruous and fails to respect the rural vernacular character or the established principles of rural design in the Westmeath County Development Plan.
- The development poses a potential risk to the conservation objectives of the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC due to hydrological connections and a lack of sufficient detail to rule out significant environmental effects.
- The proposal represents a risk to public safety and groundwater quality because the site is located within flood-prone 'benefitting lands' and the applicant failed to demonstrate that required 90m traffic sightlines could be achieved.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 10.105CPO 10.106
Decision Document Summary
Sean Leavy proposed the construction of a single-storey detached dwelling with a private well and wastewater treatment system at Millrace, Balrath, Killucan, Co. Westmeath. Although the applicant was deemed to comply with local housing need policies, the local authority refused permission because the modular design was considered out of character with the rural landscape. Furthermore, the site's location within a flood-risk area with high groundwater vulnerability, its proximity to a protected S...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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