25247

for the construction of a single storey extension to existing out building and demolition of existing two storey derelict cottage. Works to the existing outbuilding will include the construction of a new roof and external walls and will be incorporated within the proposed extension as a replacement dwelling. The development will also consist of a new wastewater treatment system and all associated site works

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The application was refused due to potential significant adverse effects on a European protected site (SAC) containing a bat maternity roost and the applicant's failure to demonstrate compliance with rural housing need criteria.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The proposed demolition of the existing cottage would lead to the loss of an internationally important maternity roost for Lesser Horseshoe Bats within the Ballycullinan, Old Domestic Building SAC, contravening Objective CDP15.3.
  • The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine economic or social need to live in this specific rural area, which is designated as an 'Area of Special Control', thus failing to comply with Objective CDP4.14.
  • The development would result in haphazard and unsustainable rural development in an unserviced area, undermining the county's settlement strategy and the preservation of the rural environment.

Cited Policies (CDP)

CDP15.3CDP15.4CDP4.14CDP4.17CDP4.18CDP 14.3CDP 11.13CDP 11.14Objective 16.4

Decision Document Summary

Caimin Cullinan proposed the demolition of a derelict cottage and the refurbishment/extension of an outbuilding to create a replacement dwelling at Cloona Dysert, Corofin, Co. Clare. The site is located within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Area of Special Control. The local authority refused permission primarily because the works would destroy a critical maternity roost for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and because the applicant did not provide sufficient evidence of a local rural housi...
SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.