Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in an area under strong urban influence, coupled with technical deficiencies regarding traffic safety and wastewater management.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the local rural housing need criteria for an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence' as set out in Table 4.4 of the Development Plan, particularly as they previously occupied a dwelling in the rural area.
- The proposed development would create a traffic hazard due to substandard access arrangements and the failure to provide required visibility splays of 3m x 90m at the site entrance.
- Insufficient information was submitted regarding wastewater treatment, specifically the lack of a Site Suitability Assessment (SSA), meaning the Planning Authority could not determine if the site could be serviced in a sustainable manner.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Table 4.4 of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027Appendix 7 of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027National Policy Objective 19National Policy Objective 20Laois County Council Roads and Parking Standards 2007
Decision Document Summary
Noel Gavigan sought outline planning permission for a single-storey house, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Straboe, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The 0.34-hectare site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. Laois County Council refused the application because the applicant did not meet the rural housing need criteria, having previously owned a home in the rural area. Additionally, the proposal was deemed a traffic hazard due to inadequate sightlines an...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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