Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its failure to integrate into the rural landscape, appearing visually prominent on an exposed site, and for failing to demonstrate compliance with wastewater treatment standards regarding separation distances from nearby wells.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling would be visually prominent and fail to integrate into the local landscape due to the open and exposed nature of the site, which would erode the rural character of the area contrary to Policy Objective HOU 42.
- The application failed to demonstrate compliance with the EPA Code of Practice for wastewater treatment, specifically regarding the identification of and separation distances from neighboring wells and percolation areas within 100m of the site.
- Granting permission would set a harmful precedent for similar developments in a rural area identified as being under strong urban influence and already subject to a proliferation of single dwellings.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 42IU 18Table 3.5Section 13.9.4Section 13.9
Decision Document Summary
Adrienne Hoey sought planning permission for a 248sqm two-storey dwelling and detached garage at Sheelagh, Hackballscross, Co. Louth, located within Rural Policy Zone 2. While the applicant successfully demonstrated a local housing need, the proposal was refused because the scale and position of the house on an open, unscreened site would appear unduly prominent and fail to integrate into the landscape. Furthermore, the Environment Section identified significant deficiencies in the site layout r...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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