Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a local housing need, the detrimental visual impact caused by excessive site works on a steep gradient, and traffic safety concerns regarding the removal of extensive roadside boundaries to achieve sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to adequately demonstrate compliance with the local housing need qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2 as required by Policy Objective HOU 41.
- The proposed dwelling would require excessive 'cut and fill' due to the steep topography, resulting in unnecessary scarring of the landscape and a failure to integrate into the rural character of the area contrary to Policy Objective HOU 42.
- The proposed vehicular entrance necessitates the removal of large swathes of mature roadside hedgerow and trees to achieve sightlines, which would be detrimental to the rural landscape and potentially create a traffic hazard.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 42HOU 45HOU 46HOU 47NGB 6IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19Section 3.17.4Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.5Section 13.9.6Section 13.9.7Section 13.9.8Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.10Section 13.19.14Section 13.16.17Section 13.9.15Section 13.9.16
Decision Document Summary
Paul Connolly sought planning permission for a detached two-storey house, domestic garage, and a new proprietary wastewater treatment system at Carrickacreagh, Knockbridge, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 2, an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence'. Louth County Council refused the application because the applicant did not prove a sufficient social or economic link to the area, and the proposed development was deemed visually intrusive due to the steep site conditions and t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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