Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the restrictive housing criteria for High Amenity Areas, specifically regarding long-term intrinsic links and established residency within the Lough Derravaragh High Amenity Area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development is located within the Lough Derravaragh High Amenity Area, where policy CPO 9.24 restricts new housing to the immediate family of established residents with long-term intrinsic links to the area.
- The applicant failed to submit a local need questionnaire, and evidence indicates the family residence is located outside the High Amenity Area, meaning the applicant does not meet the necessary residency criteria.
- Granting permission would be contrary to the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and would undermine the protection of a sensitive landscape designated for its high amenity value.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.24
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involved the construction of a single-storey dwelling and a wastewater treatment system at Coolure, Coole, Co. Westmeath, on a site within the Lough Derravaragh High Amenity Area. While the design of the 102sqm cottage was generally acceptable, the application was refused primarily on policy grounds. The planning authority determined that the applicant did not satisfy the strict local housing need criteria required for development in a High Amenity Area under Policy CPO 9.24, as the...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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