Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a rural-generated housing need for an additional dwelling in an area designated as being under strong urban influence, thereby contravening local and national rural housing policies.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not meet the specific criteria for rural housing at this location as they already possess a dwelling on-site and have not established a legitimate rural-generated need for a second unit.
- The proposed conversion of a detached garage into a separate residential unit is classified as a new dwelling in a rural area under strong urban influence, which is contrary to the policy of channelling such development into established settlements.
- The proposal fails to comply with 'granny flat' standards due to the lack of a physical connection to the main residence and contravenes Policy Objective CPO 9.1 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
Kevin Lynch sought permission to convert a partially constructed detached garage at Rattin, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath, into a one-bedroom residential unit for his mother. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the proposal constitutes a new, separate residential dwelling for which no rural-generated housing need was established, thus contravening Policy CPO 9.1 of the County Development Plan a...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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