Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in an area under strong urban influence, and the proposed site access would create a traffic hazard due to substandard sightlines on a regional road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant is considered an urban dweller from Castlepollard and failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need or intrinsic links to the area as required by Policy CPO 9.1 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The proposed development would constitute undesirable haphazard development by virtue of its entrance onto a regional road where the maximum speed limit applies, interfering with the safety and free flow of traffic.
- The proposed entrance fails to provide the required 150m unobstructed sightlines, specifically to the southeast, which is contrary to policy objectives CPO 10.52, CPO 16.33, and CPO 9.17 regarding road safety and carrying capacity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.16CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34CPO 10.52
Decision Document Summary
John McCarthy sought planning permission for a detached single-storey dwelling, garage, and sewage treatment system at Carn, Coole, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence.' The application was refused because the applicant, residing in the town of Castlepollard, did not meet the criteria for rural-generated housing need. Furthermore, the proposed access onto the regional road was deemed a traffic hazard as it could not achieve the man...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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