Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommended a grant of permission, concluding that the proposed contemporary 3-storey dwelling is appropriate for the infill site, provides adequate separation from neighbors, and does not pose a significant risk regarding coastal erosion or negative visual impact on the sensitive landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The Inspector found the scale and massing of the 3-storey building to be acceptable, noting that separation distances from the neighboring property (3.6m to 5.6m) significantly exceed the minimum requirement of 2.3m specified in Objective DMSO26.
- The visual impact on the Highly Sensitive Landscape was deemed 'imperceptible' or 'not significant' based on verified photomontages, with the Inspector concluding the building would positively contribute to a fragmented streetscape.
- Concerns regarding coastal erosion were dismissed as the site is an infill location on the landward side of the village street, well above sea level, and engineering evidence indicated no risk of increasing erosion or being affected by rising sea levels.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective GINH076Objective PM44Objective DMSO26LC-Local Centre zoningFingal Development Plan 2023-2029Highly Sensitive Landscape designation
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a 3-storey residential building at Loughshinny harbour, comprising a 3-bedroom duplex for the applicant's son and a 1-bedroom apartment for the applicant and his wife. The site is a narrow, currently unused field situated between existing detached dwellings. Although Fingal County Council originally refused permission due to concerns about scale, bulk, and coastal erosion risks, the Inspector's assessment favored the development. The Inspector highlighte...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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