Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its visually obtrusive siting in a sensitive Area of High Amenity and the failure to provide safe sightlines onto a restricted regional road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling is located on an elevated site within an Area of High Amenity (Lough Boora Discovery Park) and would be visually obtrusive, out of character, and detrimental to the scenic value of the landscape.
- The proposal contravenes Development Management Standard 48 as the siting fails to integrate into the landscape, instead breaking the skyline and requiring significant intervention on a prominent hill.
- The development would endanger public safety by creating a traffic hazard, as the applicant failed to demonstrate that the required 150m sight visibility distances are achievable at the proposed entrance onto the R357.
Cited Policies (CDP)
SSP-27BLO-22BLO-25BLO-26BLO-27BLP-38DMS-45DMS-46DMS-47DMS-48DMS-50DMS-51DMS-52DMS-53DMS-97Table 8.4Section 8.6.2Table 4.20
Decision Document Summary
Thomas Butler applied for permission to construct a two-storey dwelling and domestic garage on a 0.322ha site at Coolreagh, Cloghan, Co. Offaly. The site is located in a 'Stronger Rural Area' and partially within an 'Area of High Amenity' near Lough Boora Parklands. Offaly County Council refused the application primarily because the elevated siting and design were considered visually obtrusive and out of character with the sensitive landscape. Furthermore, the proposed entrance onto the R357 res...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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