Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in an Area Under Urban Influence, combined with environmental concerns regarding wastewater disposal and the potential for unsustainable ribbon development.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to comprehensively demonstrate their period of residence in the immediate area or a functional need to live outside the town, thus failing to comply with the Rural Housing policy for an Area under Urban Influence.
- The proposed development would set an undesirable precedent for further gap/infill sites, contributing to an unsustainable pattern of one-off houses outside the settlement boundary of Freshford village.
- Insufficient information was provided regarding the location of neighboring wells, meaning the applicant failed to prove that effluent could be treated and discharged without risk to public health or the environment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027Rural Housing PolicyNational Policy Objective 19
Decision Document Summary
Shonagh Ahern and Ethan Hayes sought permission for a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Monabrika, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny. The site is located in an 'Area Under Urban Influence' near Freshford village. The application was refused because the applicants failed to demonstrate a specific rural housing need or sufficient local residency as required by the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2021-2027. Additionally, the planning authority raised concerns about the creat...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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