Core Refusal Reason
The proposal fails to meet rural housing need criteria for a sensitive coastal and scenic location, while posing significant adverse visual impacts and environmental risks to a nearby Special Area of Conservation.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to demonstrate a long-standing social link or specific housing need required for development within coastal areas and along designated scenic routes as per Objectives RHO 3 and RHO 4.
- The elevated siting of the dwelling and the excessive length of the proposed access driveway (over 200m) would create a prominent, incongruous design feature that fails to integrate into the highly scenic rural landscape.
- In the absence of a Stage 1 AA Screening Report and a Confirmation of Feasibility from Uisce Eireann, the planning authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not adversely impact the Doogort Machair/Lough Doo SAC or endanger public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RHO 3Objective RHO 4Objective NH-01Objective NH-03Objective INO-3Objective INO-7Objective INO-8
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the construction of a large split-level dwelling and garage on an elevated 2.67-hectare site at Doogort East, Achill, situated adjacent to a designated scenic route and overlooking the sea. Mayo County Council refused permission because the applicants did not establish a functional housing need for this sensitive coastal location. Additionally, the authority concluded that the development's prominent position and extensive driveway would cause significant visual scarring, w...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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