Core Refusal Reason
The proposal fails to meet the criteria for a family flat/independent living unit under Section 13.9.21 of the County Development Plan due to its excessive scale, lack of physical integration with the main dwelling, and the potential consolidation of unauthorized development.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would consolidate unauthorized development as the existing garage was constructed with a larger footprint and an additional floor level not permitted under the original planning reference 07/1623.
- The proposal is contrary to Section 13.9.21 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 as it is not modest in scale (approximately 140sq.m vs the 50sq.m guideline) and lacks the required physical integration or internal link with the primary dwelling.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the existing wastewater treatment system has the capacity to accommodate the additional loading, which could be prejudicial to public health and groundwater quality.
Cited Policies (CDP)
NGB 6HOU 3413.8.3513.8.3713.9.2013.8.36IU19Section 13.9.21HOU 41
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission to convert a detached domestic garage into an independent living unit at Tullykeel Td, Ardee, Co. Louth. The Planning Authority determined that the existing garage structure is unauthorized, having been built larger than its original 2007 permission and including an unapproved first floor. The refusal is based on the proposal's excessive scale, which significantly exceeds the 50sq.m limit for family flats, its lack of integration with the main house, and the failu...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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