Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its negative visual impact on a sensitive landscape (Area of High Scenic Quality) and the failure to provide sufficient information to rule out significant effects on the Dundalk Bay Special Protection Area (SPA).
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in a visually prominent and intrusive feature in an open rural landscape, failing to integrate into the designated Area of High Scenic Quality (AHSQ 5: Dunany).
- The proposal would set an undesirable precedent for ad-hoc development that militates against the preservation of the rural environment and erodes the character of the area.
- In the absence of an Appropriate Assessment Screening report, the Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not adversely impact protected wintering birds (specifically light-bellied brent geese) associated with the Dundalk Bay SPA.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 13.9.4Policy objective HOU 42Policy Objective HOU 47NBG 23NBG 37Policy objective NGB 6Section 13.9NBG 23NBG 37
Decision Document Summary
Sarah McMahon applied for permission to construct a 196sqm single-storey dwelling and a 45sqm detached garage at Salterstown, Dunleer, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 1 and an Area of High Scenic Quality near the Dundalk Bay SPA. Although the applicant established a local housing need, the application was refused because the site is too open and exposed to absorb a new dwelling without causing significant visual scarring. Furthermore, the applicant failed to submit a bird...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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