Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a local rural housing need, provided insufficient justification for the demolition of a habitable vernacular dwelling, and failed to submit a Site Suitability Assessment for the wastewater treatment system.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant has not demonstrated compliance with the 'Local Need' criteria required for development within a 'Stronger Rural Area' as defined in the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The proposed demolition of a vernacular two-storey dwelling is contrary to policies RH 11 and RH 13, as no structural report was provided to prove that restoration or adaptation is not a feasible option.
- In the absence of a Site Suitability Assessment, the Planning Authority cannot determine if the existing septic tank is operating effectively or can accommodate the additional loading from the proposed development.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy RH11Policy RH13Objective VS 1Objective VS 2Appendix 7National Policy Objective 19National Policy Objective 20
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission to demolish an existing two-storey farmhouse and construct a replacement 163sqm dwelling and associated site works at Killamuck, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. While the site is located in a 'Stronger Rural Area' and a 'Lowland Agricultural' landscape, the Planning Authority found the application deficient in several key areas. Specifically, the applicant failed to provide evidence of local housing need, failed to justify the demolition of a vernacular structure that appear...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.