Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine local economic or social need for a rural dwelling in an area characterized by excessive housing density and existing ribbon development.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide adequate documentary evidence of a local economic or social need to reside in the area, as required by the Rural Housing Policy of the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029.
- The proposed development would exacerbate undesirable ribbon development and excessive housing density on transitional lands located just 50m outside the Kilmeague settlement boundary, leading to suburban sprawl.
- The design of the dwelling, specifically the roof-to-wall ratio and the scale of the velux windows, was deemed inappropriate for the rural setting and contrary to the standards set out in the Kildare Rural Housing Design Guide.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Table 3.4Section 3.13.3Policy HO P11Policy HO P14Policy HO P15Objective HO O59Policy HO P12Appendix 4Chapter 15Table 4.3(a)Policy HOP26
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission for a 180sqm dormer-style two-storey dwelling on a 0.61ha site located on the R415, approximately 50m northwest of the Kilmeague settlement boundary. The Planning Authority refused the application primarily because the applicant did not demonstrate a qualifying rural housing need. Furthermore, the site is located in an area with a high residential density (37 units per km2) and significant ribbon development; the proposal was deemed to contravene policies intended...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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