Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a functional rural housing need and non-compliance with strict policy objectives protecting the Lough Owel water catchment area and Natura 2000 sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development is contrary to Council Policy Objective CPO 9.23, which restricts residential development not related to farming or forestry within the sensitive water catchment areas of Lough Owel and Lough Lene.
- The applicants failed to establish a genuine rural housing need or demonstrate sufficient long-term intrinsic links to the locality as required for areas designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'.
- In the absence of a satisfactory ecological assessment, the proposal poses a risk to the integrity of the Lough Owel SAC and SPA, while also failing to provide the necessary sightlines to ensure traffic safety on the adjoining local road.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.23CPO 9.1CPO 9.24CPO 12.4CPO 12.5CPO 12.6CPO 12.7CPO 16.32CPO 16.33
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a 408 sq.m dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Walshestown North, Mullingar, on a site located within a High Amenity Area and the Lough Owel water catchment. The application was refused because the applicants did not meet the five-year land ownership requirement or demonstrate a functional need to reside in the area under rural housing policy. Furthermore, the development was deemed a threat to the water quality and ecological integrity of near...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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