Core Refusal Reason
The development represents over-intensification and haphazard development on a constrained site, fails to meet criteria for ancillary accommodation, and lacks necessary environmental screening for its proximity to a Special Area of Conservation.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed apartment design and layout constitute over-intensification and haphazard development that is inconsistent with the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 standards for layout, design, and site selection.
- The development fails to meet the requirements for the adaptation of existing housing stock (Policy Objective RH 12) and cannot be considered ancillary accommodation (granny flat) as it was explicitly advertised as a separate apartment.
- Due to the site's immediate proximity to the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Planning Authority is not satisfied that the development will not adversely affect the integrity of European sites in the absence of an Appropriate Assessment screening report.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective UL 2Policy Objective WW 11Policy Objective FL 2Policy Objective WR 1Policy Objective RH 12DM Standard 2DM Standard 3DM Standard 5DM Standard 8DM Standard 11DM Standard 28DM Standard 38DM Standard 47DM Standard 46DM Standard 68Policy Objective NHB 1Policy Objective NHB 2Policy Objective NHB 3Policy Objective NHB 4WR 2
Decision Document Summary
This application sought retention permission for revised house floor plans (including a sunroom), a detached apartment, and ancillary garden sheds at Ard na Greine, Oughterard, Co. Galway. The site is located within the urban landscape of Oughterard, zoned as 'Residential Existing', and is situated just 5 meters from the Lough Corrib SAC. The Planning Authority refused permission primarily because the apartment represents an over-intensification of a constrained site that does not qualify as anc...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.