Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended granting permission because the proposed mitigation measures, specifically narrowing the lane width to 3m and installing 1.5m high landscaped embankments with native planting, sufficiently integrate the development into the 'High Scenic Amenity' landscape and protect neighboring residential amenities.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The reduction of the access lane width to 3m and the implementation of 1.5m high landscaped embankments will successfully mitigate previous landscape scarring and integrate the works into the surrounding area.
- The sheep shed is of a relatively small scale and its agricultural use is appropriate for the rural context; combined with its 40m distance from the nearest house, it will not materially impact residential amenity.
- The development does not pose a traffic hazard or impact the setting of nearby National Monuments (DG 097-01701 and DG097-017002) as confirmed by the Archaeological Impact Assessment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective L-O-1Policy L-P-2Policy L-P-3Policy L-P-8Policy AYH-P-1Chapter 16 Technical StandardsPolicy RH-P-1 (2018-2024 Plan)Policy T-P-15 (2018-2024 Plan)Policy AH-P-3 (2018-2024 Plan)Policy NH-P-7 (2018-2024 Plan)
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks retention permission for an existing sheep shed and the retention and completion of an extension to an agricultural lane at Croaghbeg, Kilcar, Co. Donegal. Located in an area of 'High Scenic Amenity' and a 'Structurally Weak Rural Area', the site has a history of two previous refusals due to landscape scarring and traffic safety. Third-party appellants argued the lane is highly visible and potentially impacts archaeology and flood risk. However, the Inspector found that the...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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