Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development fails to meet national design standards for apartments, specifically regarding minimum floor-to-ceiling heights and adequate natural light, resulting in a substandard level of residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed internal floor-to-ceiling height of 2.6m is below the 2.7m minimum standard required for ground-floor apartments under national guidelines.
- The apartment is not served by adequate natural light, with the main living area relying on a single minor window of only 0.9m in width on the side elevation.
- The proposal represents a substandard and haphazard development that lacks sufficient private open space and would set an undesirable precedent for future poor-quality conversions in the vicinity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028Chapter 12 of Volume 1Town Centre zoning objectiveLand Use Zoning Matrix
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought the change of use of a vacant ground-floor commercial unit to a 56sqm one-bedroom apartment at McCabbe House, Abbey Street, Ballyhaunis. While the site is located within a zoned town centre area where residential use is generally permitted, the application was refused following a request for further information. The Planning Authority determined that the conversion was substandard, citing insufficient ceiling heights, inadequate natural lighting, and a lack of clearly defined...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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