Core Refusal Reason
The proposed balcony is considered a visually obtrusive feature that fails to assimilate into the sensitive coastal landscape, contravening specific landscape protection policies and setting an undesirable precedent.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The balcony would result in a visually obtrusive feature that fails to fit appropriately or assimilate effectively into the rural setting of a Class 3 Special Landscape Sensitivity area.
- The proposal is contrary to several key policy objectives of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028, specifically those relating to design guidelines (RH 9), landscape sensitivity (LCM 2, LCM 3), and protected views (PVSR 1).
- Granting permission would interfere with the character of the landscape, detract from the visual amenity of the area, and set an undesirable precedent for similar future developments along a protected scenic route.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RC 2Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective NBH 1Policy Objective NHB 3Policy Objective WR 1Policy Objective FL 1Policy Objective LCM 2Policy Objective LCM 3Policy Objective WW 6Policy Objective WW 11Policy Objective PVSR 1DM Standard 4DM Standard 7DM Standard 8DM Standard 9DM Standard 11DM Standard 26DM Standard 28DM Standard 36DM Standard 38DM Standard 46DM Standard 47DM Standard 50DM Standard 67
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for the installation of a timber frame balcony to an existing two-storey chalet at Aill an Phréacháin, a rural site located along the Galway Bay Scenic Route and within a Protected View Angle. The site is designated as having Class 3 Special Landscape Sensitivity. Galway County Council refused the application because the balcony was deemed out of character with the rural environment and would constitute a visually obtrusive feature. The decision noted that a simil...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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