Core Refusal Reason
The development fails to meet the criteria for a family flat due to its detached nature and excessive size, while also constituting haphazard backland development with inadequate wastewater and access arrangements.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The self-contained flat fails to comply with family flat standards as it is a detached structure exceeding the 50sqm floor area limit and lacks the required internal connectivity to the primary dwelling.
- The proposal represents disorderly and haphazard backland development in a rural area, which negatively impacts the residential amenity of neighboring properties and sets an undesirable planning precedent.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the existing septic tank system is suitable for the increased load or that safe site access can be maintained due to insufficient sightlines at the entrance.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy FF.P1Section 16.8.14Policy RH. P9Section 16.10.7Chapter 3Chapter 6Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 16
Decision Document Summary
Kevin Doyle sought retention permission for the partial conversion of an existing garage into a 65.3sqm two-bedroom self-contained flat at Viewmount, Ballon Hill, Co. Carlow. The site is located on unzoned rural land. Carlow County Council refused the application primarily because the unit is detached and oversized for a family flat, representing non-integrated backland development. Furthermore, the application was deemed deficient as it did not prove the adequacy of the on-site wastewater treat...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.