Core Refusal Reason
The excessive removal of mature native hedgerows and roadside ditches required to facilitate safe access and sightlines would irreparably damage the rural character and visual amenity of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant successfully demonstrated compliance with the local housing need criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2.
- The proposed development necessitates the removal of extensive sections of mature roadside hedgerow and the excavation of an existing ditch to achieve required sightlines.
- These works would result in an obtrusive and incongruous feature in the landscape, failing to integrate into the surroundings and militating against the preservation of the rural environment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 42HOU 47Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.14
Decision Document Summary
This application sought outline permission for a rural dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Woodtown, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth. Although the planning authority was satisfied with the applicant's local need justification, the proposal was refused because the necessary access works required the destruction of significant lengths of mature native hedgerow and roadside embankments. The planner concluded that this would leave the site open and exposed, creating an obtrusive development that...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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