Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its non-traditional design and materials (steel cladding) which fail to integrate into the rural landscape, and the failure to provide safe vehicular access with adequate sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed barn-style design and steel cladding materials are not reflective of the traditional rural vernacular and fail to sensitively integrate into the landscape.
- The proposed vehicular access point fails to provide the required 90-metre sightlines in both directions, creating a potential traffic hazard.
- The proposal does not comply with the rural housing design standards and objectives set out in the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Cited Policies (CDP)
9.4.1CPO 9.3CPO 9.8CPO 9.139.5.1CPO 9.14CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20Section 16.3.7CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
Paul Mooney applied for a 50sqm single-storey barn-style dwelling at Hilltown, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath. While the site is located in a 'Structurally Weak Area' where the principle of rural housing is supported, the Planning Authority refused the application on the grounds that the contemporary design and steel cladding materials were inconsistent with the traditional architectural character of the area. Additionally, the proposed entrance was found to have inadequate sightlines, posing a tr...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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