Core Refusal Reason
The development fails to meet rural housing local need criteria, exceeds permitted rural housing density limits, and represents a substandard, inappropriate design that negatively impacts the rural character and residential amenity of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide documentary evidence demonstrating a genuine local economic or social need for a rural dwelling as required by the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029.
- The proposed retention would exacerbate an already excessive density of one-off housing in the area, which at 41 units per km² significantly exceeds the maximum threshold of 30 units per km² set out in Objective HO O59.
- The structure is considered a substandard form of development due to its inappropriate metal-clad design, failure to meet the minimum 85m² floor area requirement for a two-bedroom dwelling, and its negative impact on the residential amenity of the adjoining property to the north.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy HO P11Section 3.13.3Table 3.4Policy HOP26Objective HO O59Appendix 4Table 15.2Policy HO P16
Decision Document Summary
Patricia Tougher sought retention permission for an existing 54.5m² two-bedroom dwelling and permission for a new wastewater treatment system at Tuckmilltown, Straffan, Co. Kildare. The site is located in a rural area of medium sensitivity within the Eastern Transition Landscape Character Area. Kildare County Council refused the application on the grounds that the applicant did not demonstrate a specific rural housing need, the development contributes to an unsustainable density of one-off housi...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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