Core Refusal Reason
The proposal fails to meet the minimum site size requirements for rural countryside and the applicant has not demonstrated a clear housing need to locate along a designated scenic route, which would result in haphazard development and negatively impact the sensitive landscape character.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a clear housing need to locate in this specific area, thereby contravening Rural Housing Objective RHO-3 regarding development along designated scenic routes.
- The proposed site area of 1,000m² is significantly below the 2,000m² minimum requirement for new builds in the rural countryside as set out in the County Development Plan.
- The development would constitute haphazard development in a sensitive 'Montaine Coastal Zone' landscape and fails to demonstrate that safe access and necessary sightlines can be achieved on the narrow adjoining local road.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028Rural Housing Objective RHO-3Table 1 of Volume 2Section 2.3 of Volume 2Policy Area 1 (Landscape Appraisal)Objective TRP 11
Decision Document Summary
Marian Doherty sought permission for a 75.5sq.m single-storey dwelling at Keel West, Dooagh, Achill, located on the 'Dooagh Loop' walk within a sensitive 'Montaine Coastal Zone'. The application was refused by Mayo County Council primarily because the 0.1-hectare site failed to meet the minimum 0.2-hectare requirement for rural areas. Furthermore, the planning authority determined that the applicant did not sufficiently prove a local housing need to build along a designated scenic route (violati...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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