Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a local rural housing need, significant traffic safety concerns regarding inadequate sightlines on a regional road, and the proposed development's negative visual impact on the landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the local housing need criteria for an 'Area under Strong Urban Influence', contravening Policy CPO 9.1 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The proposed development would create a serious traffic hazard as the required sightlines cannot be achieved at the entrance due to hidden dips in both directions on the R-390 regional road.
- The proposed siting and design are considered visually obtrusive and would detract from the visual amenities of the area, setting an undesirable precedent for development in this open landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
This application by Fred Igoe sought outline planning permission for a dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Croughal, Loughnavalley, Co. Westmeath. The site is situated in a rural area under 'Strong Urban Influence' along the R-390. Westmeath County Council refused the proposal on three main grounds: the lack of evidence for a functional local housing need, the creation of a traffic hazard due to substandard sightlines, and the negative visual impact the development would have on...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.