Core Refusal Reason
The site is unsuitable for an on-site wastewater treatment system due to poor drainage characteristics, specifically the presence of peat soils and a high winter water table, posing a public health hazard.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site's drainage characteristics, including peat soils and evidence of a high winter water table, are unsuitable for the safe disposal of treated effluent to ground as per EPA Code of Practice 2021.
- The proposed wastewater treatment system would likely result in inadequate percolation and ponding, creating an unacceptable risk to public health.
- The development would set an undesirable precedent for unsustainable development in the area and is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development objectives of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH 3Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective NBH 1Policy Objective NHB 2Policy Objective NHB 3Policy Objective WR 1Policy Objective WW 6Policy Objective WW 10DM Standard 6DM Standard 7DM Standard 8DM Standard 11DM Standard 28DM Standard 36DM Standard 38DM Standard 47DM Standard 50DM Standard 63
Decision Document Summary
Stephen Tobin sought permission for a two-storey, four-bedroom dwelling, a domestic garage, and a tertiary wastewater treatment system at Moneenally, Williamstown, Co. Galway. The site is located in a 'Structurally Weak Area' and a 'Low Sensitivity Landscape' where rural housing need was not a material constraint. However, despite the design and landscaping being deemed acceptable, the application was refused because the Planning Authority determined the site was unsuitable for on-site effluent ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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