Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine local rural housing need, the proposed dwelling's negative visual impact on the open landscape, and non-compliance with wastewater treatment standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a clear social or economic need to reside in Rural Policy Zone 1, thereby failing to satisfy the qualifying criteria set out in Policy Objective HOU 41.
- The proposed dwelling would be unduly prominent in an open and exposed landscape, exacerbating the proliferation of one-off housing and undermining the rural character of the area contrary to Policy Objective HOU 42.
- The submitted plans failed to demonstrate compliance with the EPA Code of Practice for wastewater treatment, specifically regarding separation distances to wells, posing a potential threat to public health and groundwater quality.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 42IU 18Section 3.17.4Table 3.4Table 3.5Section 13.9
Decision Document Summary
Catherine Flanagan sought permission for a 212sqm single-storey dwelling, wastewater treatment system, and new entrance at Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 1, an area defined as being under strong urban influence and of significant landscape value. Louth County Council refused the application because the applicant did not meet the qualifying criteria for local housing need, the house would be visually obtrusive in a sensitive landscape, and the techni...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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