Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development is considered visually obtrusive due to its elevated siting and would adversely impact the residential amenity of a neighboring dwelling via an excessively long and poorly positioned access road.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling is sited on an elevated and prominent part of the landholding, making it visually obtrusive and contrary to the rural character of the area.
- The proposed access road is excessively long and runs too close to a third-party dwelling, which would significantly impact the residential amenity of that property and depreciate its value.
- The development would require the removal of significant mature trees and hedgerows and would set an undesirable precedent for similar developments, contravening Policy CPO 16.32 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 16.32
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a storey-and-a-half dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Rochestown Coole, Co. Westmeath. While the applicants met the local housing need criteria under CPO 9.1, the proposal was refused primarily due to its siting and access arrangements. The planner determined that the elevated position of the house would be visually obtrusive and that the proposed 100m driveway would negatively impact the amenity of a neighboring residence. Furthermore, t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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