2460305
a) Retention permission for the demolition of the semi-detached habitable house and replacement of same with a detached single-story house with a reduced floor area. b) Permission for two new wastewater treatment systems to replace the existing shared system being used by both dwellings. c) Permission for a new boundary wall and private driveway for the replacement dwelling and separate surface water soakaways to cater for each of the 2 dwellings, together with all associated site development works and landscaping
Core Refusal Reason
The development is considered unauthorized as the original structure lacked planning permission, and the applicant failed to demonstrate a rural housing need in an area under strong urban influence, resulting in over-development and environmental risks.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The original structure was unauthorized, therefore the proposal does not meet the criteria of the replacement house policy within the Louth County Development Plan.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the necessary qualifying criteria or a documented rural housing need for a development in Rural Policy Zone 2.
- Subdividing the site to accommodate two separate dwellings constitutes over-development and leads to an unacceptable concentration of septic tanks in an area identified with high aquifer vulnerability.