Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed multi-unit development is located in the open countryside (Level 7) in an area under strong urban influence where policy restricts housing to individuals with a demonstrated social or economic need; additionally, the suburban layout and extensive hedgerow removal would be visually obtrusive in a sensitive Coastal Zone landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is categorized as open countryside (Level 7) under the Wexford Settlement Hierarchy, and the applicant failed to demonstrate a functional or social need to live in the rural area as required by Section 4.9 of the CDP.
- The proposed suburban-style layout, design uniformity, and the removal of 110m of natural roadside boundary would negatively impact the visual amenity and rural character of the sensitive Coastal Character Area.
- The development represents inappropriate urban-generated housing that would result in demands for uneconomic provision of public services and contravene objectives meant to protect the landscape and environmental quality.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 3.5Objective CS02Objective CS25Chapter 4 Sustainable HousingSection 4.9Objective SH39Table 4.6Objective SH43Objective NH13Section 2.9.1Objective L04Objective L06Volume 7 Landscape Character Assessment
Decision Document Summary
This Inspector's Report evaluates a proposal for 4 two-storey detached houses on a 1.178ha agricultural site at Ballymacane, Tacumshin, Co. Wexford. While Wexford County Council initially granted permission on the basis that the nearby village of Tacumshane should be treated as a rural node, the Inspector determined that the site is strictly 'open countryside' under the operative 2022-2028 County Development Plan. The Inspector's key arguments center on the principle of development, noting that ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.