Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant visual impact on the landscape, failure to demonstrate a genuine local rural housing need, and traffic safety concerns regarding the proposed entrance and sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling, situated approximately 15m above the public road level with a suburban-style sweeping driveway, would constitute a visually obtrusive feature that fails to integrate into the sensitive landscape of the Central Lowlands.
- The applicant failed to provide robust documentary evidence to satisfy the local housing need criteria for a 'Low Development Pressure Area' as required by Section 9.4 of the County Development Plan.
- The proposed vehicular access is located too close to a road junction and lacks the required 90m sightlines, which would result in a traffic hazard and endanger public safety.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027Section 9.4Strategic policy RUR DEV SP 2RD POL 6Section 9.6.1INF POL 18INF POL 20Meath Rural House Design Guide
Decision Document Summary
Mary Kate Kiernan sought permission for a single-storey dwelling and garage at Foxtown, Summerhill, Co. Meath, on a 1.690ha site previously used as a sand and gravel pit. Meath County Council refused the application on three primary grounds: the development's excessive height relative to the road would cause a negative visual impact on the high-value landscape; the applicant did not adequately demonstrate a site-specific rural housing need; and the proposed entrance arrangements were deemed unsa...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.