Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its location in a High Amenity Area where the applicant failed to demonstrate a specific housing need, alongside concerns regarding visual intrusion on a sensitive landscape and inadequate sight distances for traffic safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in unacceptable visual intrusion and detrimentally impact the scenic, unspoilt character of the Lough Ree High Amenity Area and its designated driving route.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a specific or demonstrable housing need as required by Policy CPO 9.24 for development within a designated High Amenity Area.
- The proposed access fails to provide adequate sight distances, creating a traffic hazard and necessitating the removal of hedgerows that would further erode the area's landscape character.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 13.8CPO 13.9CPO 13.10CPO 13.12CPO 13.37CPO 13.54CPO 13.55CPO 9.1CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.24CPO 16.33
Decision Document Summary
The applicant proposed a contemporary dwelling house and wastewater treatment system on an elevated site in Killinure, Athlone, situated within the Lough Ree High Amenity Area. The Planning Authority refused the application on the grounds that the development would cause significant visual injury to a sensitive landscape and protected views. Furthermore, the applicant did not satisfy the rural housing need criteria for this restricted area, and the proposed entrance was deemed a traffic hazard d...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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