Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its elevated and exposed nature and the excessive length of the access driveway (over 200m), which would result in visual scarring and an intrusive impact on the rural landscape, especially given the availability of more suitable alternative sites within the family landholding.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The elevated and exposed nature of the site would result in a dwelling that is incongruous and intrusive within the rural landscape.
- The proposed access driveway, which exceeds 200m in length, would cause significant visual scarring of the landscape and is contrary to the principles of well-designed, unobtrusive rural housing.
- Alternative family-owned lands are available in closer proximity to the proposed vehicular entrance, indicating that a more appropriate and less visually damaging development site is available to the applicant.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 6.41CPO 6.42CPO 6.44CPO 12.34CPO 13.16CPO 17.35
Decision Document Summary
Grace Redmond applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Ballingate, Carnew, Co. Wicklow. While the applicant successfully demonstrated a bona fide rural housing need, the Planning Authority refused the application on visual amenity grounds. The inspector concluded that the site's elevated position combined with a 200m-long driveway would cause unacceptable visual scarring and landscape erosion, particularly as more suitable alternati...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.