Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to the significant negative impact on the rural landscape caused by the excavation of a hill, conflict with national climate policy regarding carbon emissions from material transport, and the detrimental impact on the residential amenity of neighboring properties.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed excavation of an existing hill would result in a radical alteration to the rural landscape, materially contravening Policy BLP-38 of the Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 which seeks to protect and enhance the county's landscape character.
- The extensive excavation and transportation of material required for the site works would result in substantial greenhouse gas emissions and HGV traffic, conflicting with National Policy Objective 54 of the National Planning Framework 2040 regarding carbon footprint reduction.
- The development would seriously injure the residential amenities of adjoining properties and depreciate their value, particularly as more suitable alternative lands are available within the applicant's landholding that would avoid such impacts and comply with Development Management Standard 120.
Cited Policies (CDP)
BLP-38REDP-04REDP-05REDP-06REDO-03REDO-04ENVP-03DMS-118DMS-119DMS-120
Decision Document Summary
Trevor & Eilish Hinch applied for permission to construct an agricultural shed and associated site works at Glasshouse, Blueball, Co. Offaly. The proposal involved the significant excavation of an existing hill to achieve a level site, which the Planning Authority deemed a radical and unacceptable alteration to the rural landscape. The application was refused by Offaly County Council as it contravened landscape protection policies, conflicted with national climate objectives due to the high carb...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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