Core Refusal Reason
The proposal fails to meet the criteria for an independent living unit due to its excessive scale, lack of physical integration with the primary dwelling, and inadequate justification, effectively constituting an unauthorized separate dwelling in a rural area that also poses a traffic hazard.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed unit significantly exceeds the maximum floor area (102sqm vs 45sqm) and bedroom limit (2 vs 1) permitted for independent living units, and its 14m separation from the main house prevents functional integration.
- The development would result in a separate, stand-alone residential unit in an unserviced rural area, which contravenes the County Development Plan's settlement strategy and would set an undesirable precedent for sporadic backland development.
- The existing site entrances provide inadequate sightlines for the increased traffic movements associated with a separate dwelling, thereby creating a serious traffic hazard.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective 6.24Objective 6.36Appendix 1 Section 3.1.9CPO 4.10CPO 4.14CPO 4.15CPO 6.3CPO 6.32CPO 6.44CPO 13.16CPO 17.1CPO 17.35CPO 17.36
Decision Document Summary
The applicant proposed converting an existing 102sqm storage building into an independent living unit for a family member at Hanelei, Little Newtown, Enniskerry, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the structure's scale and physical detachment from the main dwelling meant it functioned as a separate house rather than a 'granny flat,' violating rural housing policies. Additionally, the planners found the justification for th...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.