Core Refusal Reason
The site is unsuitable for the safe disposal of domestic wastewater due to poor percolation, a high water table, and its location over a vulnerable aquifer, posing a risk to public health.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- Site inspections revealed a high water table (400mm below ground level) and visual indicators of poor drainage (growth of rushes) that fail to meet the minimum standards set out in the EPA Code of Practice 2021.
- The site overlies a regionally important aquifer with high groundwater vulnerability, and the inability to safely attenuate wastewater would be injurious to public health and contrary to proper planning.
- The application lacked critical technical information, including the demonstration of required 90m sightlines for traffic safety and a confirmed feasible water connection from Uisce Éireann.
Cited Policies (CDP)
3.9: Rural Housing3.10: Rural Area Types7.8: Water Services12.7: Rural House Design Considerations12.24PPH 3.13
Decision Document Summary
This application sought outline planning permission for a single-storey dwelling, a new entrance, and a wastewater treatment system on a 0.886-hectare greenfield site in Bealragh, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. While the proposal was considered acceptable in principle under Rural Policy Zone B, it was refused due to significant environmental constraints. Specifically, the Environment Department found that the site's high water table and poor percolation characteristics make it unsuitable for a wastewate...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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