2561367
the development to be retained comprises the refurbishment and extension of Drewstown Cottage including single storey ground floor extensions to the front West and rear East of the cottage, removal of the existing roof to facilitate the construction of new first floor dormer accommodation, and replacement of removed roof with a new roof over new first floor. All repairs, alterations and ancillary site works to be retained. The cottage is located within the curtilage of Drewstown House, a protected structure in the Meath County Development Plan
Core Refusal Reason
The development resulted in a significant loss of the building's original character and architectural integrity within the curtilage of a protected structure, and failed to provide necessary ecological and appropriate assessments for works in close proximity to a Natura 2000 site.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The works resulted in a significant loss of the building's original character, including traditional materials and roofline integrity, thereby contravening policies for protected structures and injuring visual amenities.
- The development fails to protect the built heritage of the rural area and is inconsistent with the 'RA' Rural Area zoning objective of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- In the absence of an Ecological Impact Assessment or Appropriate Assessment, the Planning Authority cannot rule out significant adverse effects on protected species and the integrity of the nearby River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC.