Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would result in significant negative visual impact on an unspoilt sylvan landscape and the loss of mature trees and natural heritage due to the elevated site location and excessive groundworks required for the access driveway.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling and its associated 50m driveway would require an excessive degree of groundworks and tree felling, creating a visually intrusive feature in an otherwise unspoilt sylvan landscape.
- The scale of mature tree removal necessary to facilitate the development would have a significant negative impact on the natural heritage and biodiversity of the locality, contrary to conservation objectives.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar incongruous developments that fail to integrate into the sensitive landscape and topography of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 6.41CPO 6.42CPO 6.44CPO 17.1CPO 17.20CPO 17.21CPO 17.22CPO 17.37
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the erection of a single-storey, three-bedroom dwelling, a wastewater treatment system, and a new vehicular entrance at Kilpatrick, Redcross, Co. Wicklow. The site is located in a Level 10 Rural Area characterized by a mature sylvan setting with a distinctive rock formation and varying elevations. While the applicant demonstrated a functional social need for a rural house, the application was refused because the elevated positioning of the house and the extensive groundwork...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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