Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its encroachment into the open countryside, failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need under medical criteria, and insufficient evidence regarding wastewater treatment compliance.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would represent an unjustified encroachment into the open countryside on agricultural lands that serve as a visual break, thereby blurring the distinction between the settlement of Muchgrange and the rural area in contravention of Policy HOU 38.
- The applicant failed to provide a medical consultant's report or demonstrate that their housing needs could not be met by adapting the existing family home, meaning the proposal does not meet the local housing need qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2.
- The application failed to demonstrate that the proposed wastewater treatment system and polishing filter comply with the EPA Code of Practice 2021, which is considered prejudicial to public health and contrary to Policy IU18.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 38HOU 41HOU 47IU18IU19IU21NGB 6ENV 39Table 3.4Table 3.5Section 3.17.4Section 3.17.6Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.10
Decision Document Summary
This application by Jennifer Hanlon sought permission for a 280.42 sqm dwelling and septic tank at Muchgrange, Greenore, Co. Louth, on a site located approximately 75 metres from the settlement boundary. The proposal was a repeat application following a previous refusal (Ref. 22/798) on the same site. Louth County Council refused the application because the development would erode the distinction between the settlement and the open countryside, the applicant failed to provide sufficient medical ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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