Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a rural-generated housing need, and the proposal constitutes inappropriate back-land development that is visually obtrusive and out of character with the surrounding rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate a location-specific rural housing need as required for an area under strong urban influence.
- The proposed dwelling represents a piecemeal form of back-land development that lacks independent road frontage and fails to reflect the established spatial pattern of the area.
- The size, scale, and height of the two-storey design are considered visually obtrusive and out of keeping with the character of the surrounding rural landscape and neighboring single-storey bungalows.
Cited Policies (CDP)
RD POL 1RD POL 2RD POL 3Section 9.4RD POL 9Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027Meath Rural House Design Guide
Decision Document Summary
Conor Hoey sought permission for a two-storey dwelling and associated works at Smithstown, Julianstown, Co. Meath, on a site zoned as a rural area under strong urban influence. Meath County Council refused the application because the applicant failed to prove a genuine rural housing need, and the project was deemed inappropriate back-land development. Furthermore, the scale and design of the house were considered visually discordant with the existing pattern of development and the rural characte...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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