Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to poor site selection in an area already saturated with one-off housing, leading to an unduly prominent visual impact, and a failure to demonstrate that the wastewater treatment system would not prejudice public health or groundwater quality.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site lacks substantial natural boundaries and features to aid integration, resulting in an unduly prominent and obtrusive development that would exacerbate the existing pattern of overdevelopment in the rural area.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed wastewater treatment system and polishing filter comply with the EPA Code of Practice 2021, posing a potential risk to public health and groundwater quality in a high-vulnerability area.
- The development is contrary to the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 policies regarding site selection and rural character preservation, and would set an undesirable precedent for similar inappropriate development.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41Section 3.17.4HOU 46HOU 47HOU 42Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.8Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.10ENV 39IU16IU17IU18IU19IU 26IU 27NGB 6
Decision Document Summary
Michael Martin sought planning permission for a large two-storey one-off dwelling, detached garage, and wastewater treatment system at Reaghstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 2, an area under strong urban influence. While the planner acknowledged the applicant met the 'Rural Housing Need' under Criteria 4, the application was refused. The primary grounds for refusal were the site's inability to absorb further development due to a lack of natural screening and t...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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