Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate compliance with local rural housing need criteria for an area under strong urban influence and inappropriate design elements contrary to rural design guidelines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to provide evidence of a genuine local rural housing need as defined by the criteria for areas under 'Strong Urban Influence' in the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The inclusion of a first-floor balcony and terrace is deemed an urban design feature unsuitable for a rural location and poses a risk of overlooking to the east, violating Policy DM RH 1 and the Rural Design Guide.
- The application lacked critical technical details concerning the extent of retaining walls required for the split-level site, the specific number of trees to be removed for the entrance, and a formal confirmation of feasibility for the water supply connection.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Table 4.4Map 4.1Policy DM RH 1Appendix 7Policy BNH 30
Decision Document Summary
This planning application sought permission for a split-level two-storey dwelling and garage at Ballybrittas, Killenard, Co. Laois, located in the open countryside within an area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. The Planning Authority recommended a request for Further Information (effectively stalling the process) due to the applicants' failure to demonstrate a local rural housing need. Furthermore, the proposed design was criticized for including urban-style balcony and terra...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.