Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to inappropriate siting and design, specifically the requirement for a lengthy driveway and significant hedgerow removal which would negatively impact the rural character and biodiversity of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed access arrangement requires the removal of a significant length of mature roadside hedgerow, which is contrary to policies protecting rural character and biodiversity.
- The siting of the dwelling at the rear of the field necessitates a lengthy driveway that is considered out of character with the rural context and injurious to the visual amenity of the area.
- The architectural design is deemed to be a suburban approach that fails to visually integrate with the receiving landscape, violating the Council’s Rural House Design Guidelines and specific development plan policies.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.16CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34CPO 12.40
Decision Document Summary
Seamus Keena applied for permission to construct a two-storey detached dwelling, domestic garage, and septic tank at Rathskeagh, Ballymore, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area under strong urban influence. While the applicant demonstrated a local housing need, the Planning Authority refused the application. The primary grounds for refusal were the inappropriate siting at the rear of a field requiring a lengthy, intrusive driveway and the substantial removal of mature roadside hedg...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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