Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its location outside the settlement boundary representing urban sprawl, the applicant's failure to meet rural housing need criteria, inappropriate design/prominence in the landscape, and inadequate traffic safety visibility.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development represents an unacceptable encroachment into the open countryside that would blur the distinction between the built-up area of Termonfeckin and the rural landscape, leading to sprawl contrary to Policy Objective HOU 38.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the Local Needs Qualifying Criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2, as their qualifying address is located within the settlement limit of Termonfeckin rather than a rural area.
- The proposed dwelling's ornate design, bulk, and scale, combined with the site's lack of natural boundaries and high visibility, would result in an unduly prominent structure that fails to integrate into the landscape or protect rural character.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 38HOU 41HOU 42HOU 46HOU 47NGB 6Section 3.17.4Table 3.4Table 3.5Section 13.9Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.5Section 13.9.6Section 13.9.7Section 13.9.8Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.1013.19.1413.16.17Table 13.1313.9.1513.9.16ENV 39IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19IU 26IU 27IU 13
Decision Document Summary
Aisling and Niall McCullough sought permission for a bespoke 224sq.m one-off dwelling and associated works on a site southwest of Termonfeckin, Co. Louth, located in a 'Rural Policy Zone 2' area under strong urban influence. The Planning Authority refused the application on four primary grounds: the proposal constitutes urban sprawl and encroachment into the countryside; the applicant does not meet the specific rural housing need criteria as they reside within the settlement boundary; the modern...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.