Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its visual impact on a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), its excessive scale relative to the small farm holding, and the potential risk to groundwater quality in an area of extreme vulnerability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 233sqm shed is considered visually obtrusive and fails to assimilate into the sensitive landscape of the Mountain Uplands Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, contrary to the design standards of the County Development Plan.
- The scale of the proposed agricultural building is deemed excessive and unnecessary for the efficient operation of a farm holding comprising only 1.47 hectares, representing a visual intrusion rather than a necessary agricultural requirement.
- In the absence of a hydro-geological survey and adequate manure management details, the development poses an unacceptable risk to groundwater quality in an area classified with extreme vulnerability, which is prejudicial to public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 4.3.4Objective CPO9.41Objective CPO 9.40Objective CPO 9.37Objective CPO 9.38CPO 17.35CPO 17.36Appendix 1
Decision Document Summary
This planning application sought permission for a 233sqm concrete block agricultural shed, a slurry tank, and associated site works at Ballycreen Lower, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow. The site is located within a sensitive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on a steep slope. Wicklow County Council refused the application, citing that the structure would be a prominent and obtrusive feature in the landscape. Additionally, the planning authority determined that the shed's size was disproportionate t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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