Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to its inappropriate location in a highly sensitive landscape, traffic safety concerns on a substandard road, and the failure to demonstrate a genuine local housing need.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would be visually incongruous on an elevated hillside within a 'Most Sensitive Landscape', militating against the preservation of the rural environment and conflicting with Landscape Policy Objective L 02.
- The narrow and substandard nature of the public road serving the site would create a traffic hazard and endanger public safety due to increased vehicular movements.
- The applicants failed to demonstrate a 'Genuine Housing Need' as required by Section 7.11.2 for developments within an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence', particularly given their current residence in Switzerland.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Landscape Policy Objective L 02Section 7.11.2Waterford City and County Development Plan 2022-2028
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a new dwelling and ancillary works on a 1-hectare site at Bawnfaun, Kilmanahan, located on an open hillside within a 'Most Sensitive' landscape. Waterford City and County Council refused the proposal on three main grounds: the negative visual impact on the unspoilt upland landscape, the inadequacy of the narrow local road to safely accommodate additional traffic, and the applicants' failure to prove a local housing need as they currently live abroad and hav...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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