Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development lacks established natural boundaries for visual integration, resulting in an obtrusive feature that would negatively impact the visual amenity and landscape character of the rural area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The subject site fails to meet the requirements of CPO 16.33 as it is not flanked by a minimum of two established natural boundaries to aid visual integration.
- The proposed siting within an open landholding devoid of natural screening would result in an obtrusive and unnatural feature that is out of character with its rural context.
- The development would injure the visual amenity of the area and is contrary to the design standards of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a one-and-a-half-story dwelling and wastewater treatment system on un-zoned rural lands at Galmoylestown, Co. Westmeath. While the applicant demonstrated compliance with local housing need policies, the site assessment revealed that the location lacks the necessary natural boundaries required for visual integration. Consequently, the planning authority refused permission on the grounds that the dwelling would appear as an obtrusive and unrelated feature ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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