Core Refusal Reason
The proposal is located in an unserviced rural area outside the settlement boundary, lacks demonstrated tourist demand, and poses potential risks to protected Natura 2000 sites due to hydrological connectivity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development is located in an unserviced rural area outside the settlement boundary of Raharney, making it car-dependent and contrary to policies favoring tourism in serviced settlements.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a specific tourist product or demand at this location, leading to concerns about establishing an undesirable precedent for random rural development.
- In the absence of an Appropriate Assessment Screening report, the Planning Authority cannot rule out significant adverse impacts on the River Boyne and River Blackwater SAC/SPA.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 6.25CPO 6.27Chapter 6.5
Decision Document Summary
Kathleen Keegan sought permission for a glamping development comprising four pods and a communal building at Riverdale, Raharney. The site is an infill plot in a rural area approximately 3.2km from the nearest settlement. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the proposal is contrary to development plan policies that prioritize tourism within existing settlements. Furthermore, the lack of an Appropriate Assessment Screening report meant the potential for significant environmen...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.