Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development contravenes County Development Plan policy by creating a new entrance onto a Strategic Regional Road (R-433) in an area where speed limits exceed 50kmph, posing a significant traffic hazard.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal materially contravenes Policy TRANS 22 of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027, which prohibits unnecessary access onto strategic regional routes in areas where speed limits exceed 50kmph.
- The proposed entrance is located on a busy section of the R-433 where visibility is restricted by horizontal and vertical restraints, meaning the development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar one-off housing developments along strategic routes, which would collectively reduce road capacity and interfere with the safe, free-flowing nature of traffic.
Cited Policies (CDP)
TRANS 22Table 4.4Appendix 7National Policy Objective 19National Policy Objective 20
Decision Document Summary
Jerry & Marie Meehan applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, garage, and septic tank system at Ballyvoghlaun, Rathdowney, Co. Laois. The 1.560ha site is located in a rural area and fronts the R-433 Strategic Regional Road. Although the planning authority acknowledged that the applicants met local housing need criteria and that the architectural design was compliant with rural guidelines, the application was refused. The primary grounds for refusal were the contravention of ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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