Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed garage is disproportionately large relative to the main dwelling (73% of its floorspace) and its remote siting prevents it from being subordinate or complementary, resulting in an adverse landscape impact in an area of high scenic amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 166 sqm floorspace of the building is excessive and fails to satisfy the requirement that annex buildings be subordinate in scale to the main dwelling.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the southern portion of the site intended for the development has authorized residential status, making the proposal premature.
- The siting of the building, combined with extensive paved areas and parking, would 'read' as a substantial independent structure rather than a domestic ancillary building, setting an adverse precedent in a sensitive landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy NH-P-7Policy RH-P-9Appendix 4 (Building a House in Rural Donegal – A Location, Siting and Design Guide)Section 4.6 of Appendix 4
Decision Document Summary
This report concerns an appeal against Donegal County Council's decision to grant permission for the retention of foundations and the completion of a 166 sqm private garage/storage shed in Ballyliffin. The site is located within an area of high scenic amenity on the Inishowen Peninsula. The project follows a previous refusal on the same footprint for a funeral undertaker's building. While the applicant argued the shed is required for domestic storage and a vintage car collection, the Inspector f...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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