Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a site-specific rural housing need, the proposed design was deemed visually obtrusive and out of character with the area, and there were significant technical omissions regarding flood risk and agricultural waste management.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not establish a demonstrable rural-generated housing need for a dwelling in an area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence', making the proposal contrary to the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines.
- The scale, massing, and significant setback of the proposed dwelling fail to respect the established building line and the Meath Rural House Design Guide, resulting in a development that would be visually obtrusive and poorly integrated into the landscape.
- The application lacked essential technical documentation, specifically a Site-Specific Flood Risk Assessment for a site partially located in Flood Zone A and adequate details regarding the management of agricultural waste from the proposed equine facilities.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 9INF POL 18INF POL 20Section 9.8.1RD POL 12RUR DEV SP 2
Decision Document Summary
This planning application proposed the development of a two-storey dwelling, residential amenity office, agricultural stables, and a sand arena on a 3.74ha site at Rathbeggan, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath. The site is located in a 'Rural Area under Strong Urban Influence' where strict residency criteria apply. Meath County Council refused permission because the applicants failed to prove a genuine rural housing need and the proposed house design was considered oversized and unsympathetic to the local...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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