Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a local housing need and technical non-compliance of the wastewater treatment system with EPA standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide substantive documentation to demonstrate a qualifying social or economic link to the area as required by Policy Objective HOU 41 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The proposed wastewater treatment arrangement is considered non-viable as it involves pumping effluent to a raised filter, which contradicts the EPA Code of Practice requiring gravity flow to a distribution device.
- Insufficient technical information was provided regarding site-specific cross-sections, groundwater flow direction, and the proximity of existing wells within 100m of the proposed percolation area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41Section 3.17.4HOU 46HOU 47HOU 42IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 26ENV 39
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a single-storey dwelling (181sqm), a proprietary treatment plant, and a new entrance at Rassan, Hackballscross, Co. Louth. The site is situated within Rural Policy Zone 2, an area designated as being under strong urban influence. While the layout and design were generally acceptable, the application was refused (based on the grounds for Further Information) because the applicant failed to establish a local housing need under Policy HOU 41 and submitted a...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.