2560339

permission to construct one number detached dwelling, one number detached garden shed , to construct a new entrance to public road, to install a private well, to install a pumped tertiary wastewater treatment system with COCO filter and raised infiltration bed and all associated site works

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed dwelling was refused due to its inappropriate scale and suburban-style architectural design which fails to integrate into the rural landscape, alongside environmental concerns regarding flood risk and groundwater vulnerability.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The dwelling's excessive scale, massing, and suburban design features—including floor-to-ceiling glazing and an integrated garage—are visually incongruous and fail to respect the rural character of the Loughnavalley node.
  • Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar forms of inappropriate development that do not align with the Westmeath Rural Design Guide or County Development Plan policies.
  • The applicant failed to provide a necessary flood risk assessment for a site located on 'benefitting lands' with high groundwater vulnerability, posing potential risks to public health and environmental safety.

Cited Policies (CDP)

CPO 2.11CPO 2.12CPO 3.2CPO 9.4CPO 9.5CPO 9.6CPO 9.7CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.16CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34

Decision Document Summary

The proposal sought permission for a detached two-storey dwelling, garden shed, and private services at Croughal, Loughnavalley, Co. Westmeath, situated within a designated rural node. Westmeath County Council refused the application on the grounds that the contemporary architectural design and excessive massing were out of character with the rural setting and contrary to Policy CPO 16.32. Furthermore, the site's location on 'benefitting lands' with high groundwater vulnerability required a floo...
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