2560292
the development will consist of alterations to the roof and facades of the existing single/two storey rear annex to the North-west side of the house, new two-storey extensions to the North-east and South-west sides of the house, a new conservatory at the North-east side including all related internal and external alterations to the house, demolition of existing sheds, the construction of a new single storey family cottage to the South-east side of the existing yard, alterations to the existing site entrances including upgrading the existing gateway on the West end and the provision of a new avenue, together with all associated landscaping and site works including decommissioning the existing septic tank and the provision of new proprietary waste water treatment
Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the failure to demonstrate a specific local housing need for the proposed cottage, combined with concerns that the scale and design of the house extensions were unsympathetic to the existing vernacular character and the siting of the cottage constituted haphazard back-land development.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to provide robust evidence of a local housing need for the intended occupants of the proposed cottage, which is a mandatory requirement for residential development in a 'Strong Rural Area'.
- The proposed extensions to the existing dwelling are considered excessive in scale and bulk, failing to respect, harmonise, or integrate with the vernacular character of the original structure.
- The siting of the new cottage behind existing agricultural buildings results in undesirable back-land development and a haphazard layout that is contrary to the Meath Rural House Design Guide.