Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a functional social or economic need to reside in the open countryside, and the proposed dwelling's proximity to a watercourse violates mandatory environmental buffer zones.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence to demonstrate a definable social or economic need to reside in this rural area, contrary to the housing need criteria set out in Objective CPO 6.41.
- The proposed dwelling is sited approximately 10m from a mill race, which is at variance with Objective CPO 17.26 requiring a minimum 25m riparian buffer zone to protect watercourses from interference and pollution.
- The development would represent an unnecessary dwelling in a designated Area of High Amenity (Southern Hills), which would erode the landscape value and conflict with the settlement strategy for rural areas.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 6.1CPO 6.41Table 6.3CPO 6.3CPO 6.4CPO 6.44CPO 6.45CPO 13.16CPO 17.26CPO 17.35
Decision Document Summary
Aaron Furlong applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, a well, and a wastewater treatment system on a 0.342ha site at Ballynultagh, Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow. The site is located within the Southern Hills, an area designated as Hierarchy 3: Area of High Amenity. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the applicant did not adequately prove a 'housing need' to live in the open countryside under the current County Development Plan. Furthermore, the proposed siting...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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