2560219
****APPEALED - ACP - Decision: Granted**** Permission for the removal of Planning Condition No.5. as per granted planning permission 14/289 which states: “Within one month from the date of occupation of the dwelling hereby granted, the dwelling within the site shall be demolished.” Existing cottage (“dwelling within the site” as above referenced) to be retained, with proposed single storey extensions to the front and rear of the property. Outbuilding to southern corner of site (attached to cottage) to have the roof increased in height to create a single storey habitable space as part of the dwelling. Vehicle access to the existing cottage will be shared via the site entrance as granted in Planning Application 14/289 Retention of existing percolation area and on-site wastewater treatment plant which was previously granted permission 14/289. Proposed wastewater treatment plant and drip dispersal percolation area to service existing cottage. Together with all associated ancillary site works.
Core Refusal Reason
The site area of 0.29 hectares is insufficient to accommodate two separate dwellings and two individual wastewater treatment systems, failing to meet the minimum site size requirements and posing a risk of water pollution.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development fails to comply with Policy RSP 4 and Policy WWTP 1 of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2025-2031, which stipulates 0.2 hectares as the appropriate minimum size for rural house sites with individual wastewater treatment systems.
- The restricted surface area available for percolation (0.08ha) and the proximity to the existing adjoining percolation area on a total site of only 0.29 hectares makes the long-term functionality and viability of the sewerage disposal system unfeasible.
- Permitting the development would likely result in the pollution of surface or ground water and be prejudicial to public health, thus representing a significant risk to the protection of water quality in the area.