Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to substandard internal ceiling heights for the proposed habitable attic space and the failure to demonstrate that the existing wastewater treatment system could accommodate the increased loading from additional bedrooms.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed attic conversion provides substandard habitable accommodation as it fails to meet the minimum floor-to-ceiling height requirements of 2.4m across 50% of the floor area as per Building Regulations (2019) Technical Guidance Document F.
- Permitting such substandard accommodation would set an undesirable precedent for similar inappropriate developments in the vicinity and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the existing on-site wastewater treatment system has the capacity to handle the increased population equivalent (PE) loading resulting from the increase in bedroom numbers from four to six.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 3.8.35Policy HOU 34Section 13.8.35Section 13.8.37Policy IU19Policy NGB 6Section 13.9.20Policy Objective IU18
Decision Document Summary
Christopher Rogers sought planning permission for alterations to an existing detached two-storey dwelling at Tullakeel, Ardee, Co. Louth, specifically to convert the attic space into two additional habitable bedrooms. While the external alterations were considered acceptable in terms of visual impact, Louth County Council refused the application because the internal ceiling heights did not meet minimum standards for habitable space. Furthermore, the applicant failed to provide technical evidence...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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