Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate compliance with rural housing policy regarding local need and significant concerns regarding the visual impact of a two-storey dwelling on a prominent, sensitive hillside location.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant has not demonstrated a genuine local housing need under the criteria set out in the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029, specifically failing to provide sufficient evidence of residence or employment in the area.
- The proposed two-storey design is considered unsuitable for this prominent hillside site within the Eastern Uplands; a single-storey development is required to mitigate visual impact and ensure the dwelling integrates appropriately with its surroundings.
- The proposal contains significant technical deficiencies and layout issues, including an unnecessarily long driveway creating excessive hardstanding, discrepancies in wastewater treatment capacity, and a lack of detail regarding site levels and well location.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 3.13Table 3.4HO P12HO P13HO P26HO P27HO O43HO O44HO O51HO O59IN O18IN O28Appendix 4Chapter 15
Decision Document Summary
This application by Nathan Geraghty sought permission for a 200sqm two-storey detached dwelling and garage on a 0.404ha greenfield site at Hughstown, Baltinglass. The site is characterized by its sharply sloping topography within the Eastern Uplands landscape character area. The planning authority found that the applicant failed to prove a local social or economic need for a rural house in an area under strong urban influence. Additionally, the scale of the proposed dwelling was deemed too promi...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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