Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would result in a visually prominent and incongruous feature in the rural landscape due to poor site selection, lack of natural screening, and the site's topography.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site lacks adequate natural boundaries for screening, particularly along the northern, eastern, and western perimeters, which would make the proposed dwelling an incongruous feature in a scenic rural location.
- The site's topography and elevated position relative to the road and existing family residence would result in a visually prominent development visible from long distances along the R-166 protected regional route.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar inappropriate site selection and contribute to the erosion of the rural character and landscape quality of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective HOU 41Policy Objective HOU 42Policy Objective HOU 47Section 13.9.4Table 3.4Section 13.9
Decision Document Summary
PJ Meegan sought planning permission for a 1.5-storey dwelling, detached garage, and wastewater treatment system at Reynoldstown, Clogherhead, Co. Louth. The site is situated within Rural Policy Zone 1, an area under strong urban influence and significant landscape value. Although the applicant successfully demonstrated a rural housing need, Louth County Council refused the application on the grounds of poor site suitability. The Planning Authority determined that the site, being part of a large...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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