Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to traffic safety hazards arising from inadequate sightlines, inappropriate siting and design that would result in visually incongruous backland development, and significant negative impacts on the residential amenity of the existing adjacent cottage.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development fails to provide safe unobstructed sightlines as the required works involve third-party lands for which no legal consent or documentation was provided, thereby creating a traffic hazard.
- The dwelling's siting and design are considered visually incongruous and represent undesirable backland development that would injure the visual amenities of the area and set a negative precedent for similar disorderly development.
- The proposal would result in the severing of the existing landholding into substandard plots, removing essential parking and access for the existing cottage and negatively impacting its wastewater treatment infrastructure and residential amenity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.16CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 10.52CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a 232sqm detached dormer dwelling, a treatment system, and the demolition of an existing shed at Skeamore, Rathconrath, Co. Westmeath. The site is located within a 'Rural Area Under Strong Urban Influence' and consists of lands associated with an existing cottage. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the development would create a traffic hazard due to insufficient sightlines, the design was deemed visually intrusive backland development, an...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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