Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its visually intrusive design which fails to assimilate into the rural landscape and the applicant's failure to demonstrate that the works would not negatively impact the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The entrance design, featuring prominent piers, block walls, and ornamental railings in an elevated position, is considered visually dominant and contrary to rural design guidelines which discourage suburban-style features in the countryside.
- The site is located within the River Barrow and River Nore Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the applicant failed to provide an Appropriate Assessment or ecological impact assessment to prove the development would not adversely affect the conservation objectives of the Natura 2000 site.
- The proposal is inconsistent with the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027 policies regarding the protection of natural heritage, biodiversity, and the preservation of the Nore Valley's highly scenic landscape character.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Chapter 9Section 9.2Section 9.2.1Section 9.2.1.1Section 9.2.5.1Section 9.2.10Section 9.2.11Section 9.2.12Chapter 13Section 13.22Section 2.7 of the County Kilkenny Rural Design Guide
Decision Document Summary
This application sought retention permission for a relocated vehicular entrance with splayed wing walls and piers at 'Abhainn Ri', Ennisnag, Co. Kilkenny. The site is situated in a rural area along the R713 regional road, within the Nore River Valley landscape character area and the River Barrow and River Nore SAC. The Planning Authority refused permission because the suburban-style design of the entrance was deemed visually intrusive and incompatible with the rural setting. Furthermore, the app...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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