Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to inappropriate design and siting in an open landscape, which would require the removal of significant mature roadside hedgerows, resulting in a negative impact on the visual amenity and rural character of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling's excessive length and disproportionate roof-to-masonry ratio, combined with its siting in an open field devoid of natural screening, would create an obtrusive and unnatural feature in the landscape.
- The requirement to remove a significant length of mature roadside hedgerow to facilitate access would unduly scar the rural area and have an adverse impact on local biodiversity and visual amenity.
- The development is contrary to policies CPO 16.32 and CPO 16.33 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021, as it fails to integrate effectively with the existing rural landscape or conform to high standards of rural design.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 16.32CPO 16.33Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines
Decision Document Summary
Jake Murtagh sought permission for a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Lisclogher Great, Delvin, Co. Westmeath, a site located within a 'Rural Area under Strong Urban Influence'. While the applicant appeared to meet local housing need criteria, the Planning Authority refused the application due to significant concerns regarding the design and siting of the house. Specifically, the proposal's excessive length and the necessary removal of mature roadside hedgerows ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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