Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its disproportionate visual impact in an exposed rural location and the creation of a traffic hazard resulting from an unsafe internal access road layout.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed two-storey dwelling would be a prominent and visually intrusive feature in an exposed countryside location, lacking sufficient screening to absorb the development into the landscape.
- The proposed internal access road layout, running parallel to the public roadway, would cause conflict and confusion for road users, thereby endangering public safety by reason of traffic hazard.
- The development would materially contravene the policies and objectives of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027, specifically regarding rural housing design and traffic safety standards.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy DM RH 1Policy DM TRANS 2Policy RH 12Table 4.4
Decision Document Summary
Kellie McNamara sought outline planning permission for a two-storey dwelling and effluent treatment system at Lea, Portarlington, Co. Laois, on a 0.303-hectare site designated as an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence'. Although the applicant was deemed to meet the local rural housing need criteria, the Planning Authority refused permission. The decision was based on the dwelling's prominent visual impact in an unscreened rural setting and a hazardous internal access road design that would likely...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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