Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a legitimate agricultural necessity for the large-scale, commercial-style structures, which also posed risks to protected European sites and lacked adequate surface water management plans.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide a business plan or evidence of a farm holding to justify the scale of the development, leading the authority to conclude the structures are commercial rather than agricultural in nature.
- The proposed surface water disposal via soakpit was deemed insufficient as it failed to account for the cumulative impact of existing unauthorized buildings adjacent to the site.
- The Planning Authority could not be satisfied that the development would not adversely affect the Dundalk Bay SAC and SPA due to its proximity to a direct hydrological pathway via the Fane River.
Cited Policies (CDP)
EE 60EE 61Section 13.13.11.7IU 19NBG 3Section 5.19.3Section 13.13.11.1
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for two large agricultural stores, each 2,243sq. m, at Rossmakay, Knockbridge, Co. Louth. The site is located in a rural area near Rossmakay House and adjacent to existing sheds, some of which are unauthorized. Louth County Council refused the proposal primarily because the applicant did not demonstrate a genuine agricultural need for the commercial-scale buildings. Furthermore, the application was found to be contrary to the County Development Plan due to inad...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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