Core Refusal Reason
The application failed to demonstrate a genuine local housing need, would contribute to an excessive density of rural housing, and would result in the significant loss of mature hedgerows and biodiversity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Council's Rural Housing Policy and local need criteria as defined in the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029.
- The proposed development would exacerbate an excessive density of one-off housing in a rural area already exceeding 30 units per square kilometre, leading to the erosion of rural character and suburbanisation.
- The removal of extensive mature hedgerows required to achieve necessary sightlines would result in a significant loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, setting an undesirable precedent for the removal of landscape features.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Table 3.4Section 3.13.3Policy HO P11Objective HO O59Policy HO P26Objective HO O51Objective BI O26Objective BI O27
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a single-storey dwelling and effluent treatment plant at Clonuff, Broadford, Co. Kildare, a rural area under strong urban influence. The Planning Authority refused permission primarily because the applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate a functional economic or social need to reside at this location. Furthermore, the development was deemed to contribute to an over-concentration of rural housing and would require the removal of significant mature planting, wh...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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