Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its remote rural location outside established settlement boundaries without sufficient justification for tourist demand, and the failure to provide an Appropriate Assessment Screening report despite hydrological connectivity to Natura 2000 sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is located in an unserviced rural area outside the settlement hierarchy, lacking justification for tourist demand and potentially setting an undesirable precedent for random rural development contrary to CPO 6.25 and CPO 6.27.
- The proposed design and siting, featuring non-traditional red cedar cladding in an open rural landscape, are considered inappropriate and alien to the existing character, failing to integrate with the topography or existing tourism infrastructure.
- In the absence of an Appropriate Assessment Screening report, the Planning Authority cannot rule out significant adverse impacts on the Natura 2000 network, specifically the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC/SPA, given the site's hydrological connectivity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 6.25CPO 6.27CPO 16.62CPO 16.47CPO 16.50CPO 16.52
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for two glamping pods and an onsite sewerage system at a remote rural site in Battstown, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in an agricultural area with moderate/high groundwater vulnerability and hydrological links to protected Natura 2000 sites. The proposal was refused because it is contrary to County Development Plan policies that encourage tourism development within existing settlements, lacks a demonstrated tourist demand for this specific lo...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.