Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a qualifying local housing need for Rural Policy Zone 2, and the proposal would result in significant loss of rural character and the consolidation of unauthorized site uses.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation to meet the local housing need qualifying criteria for an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence' as defined in the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The development would require the extensive removal of established roadside and internal boundary hedgerows, leading to the erosion of rural character and a failure to integrate the dwelling into the landscape.
- Granting permission would consolidate and facilitate an existing unauthorized builder's yard on the site, which further precludes the Planning Authority from being satisfied that the project would not adversely affect the integrity of nearby European protected sites.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Rural Policy Zone 2HOU 41Table 3.4Table 3.5HOU 38HOU 45HOU 46HOU 47HOU 40HOU 42Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.5Section 13.9.6Section 13.9.7Section 13.9.8Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.10Section 13.19.14Section 13.16.17Table 13.13ENV 39IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19NGB 6
Decision Document Summary
Niall Meade proposed the construction of a 1.5-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Bellview Road, Carstown, Drogheda. The site is located in Rural Policy Zone 2 and currently functions as an unauthorized builder's yard. Louth County Council refused the application primarily because the applicant did not meet the 18-year residency requirement for local needs. Additionally, the council determined that the necessary removal of mature hedgerows would degrade the rural landsca...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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