Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to its inappropriate siting in a highly scenic landscape, which would constitute intrusive backland development, and a failure to demonstrate compliance with current wastewater treatment standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development's elevated siting would result in an intrusive encroachment into a highly scenic rural landscape, setting an undesirable precedent for ad-hoc piecemeal backland development contrary to Policy Objectives HOU 42 and HOU 47.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed wastewater treatment system and polishing filter comply with the EPA Code of Practice 2021, as the submitted site characterisation was outdated and trial holes were not visible upon inspection.
- The proposal materially contravenes the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 regarding the protection of Areas of High Scenic Quality and the proper management of on-site wastewater treatment, making it prejudicial to public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 36HOU 38HOU 40HOU 41HOU 42HOU 45HOU 46HOU 47NBG 3NBG 4NBG 5NGB 6NGB 36HGB 37MOV 56IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19Section 8.12.2Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.7Table 3.5
Decision Document Summary
Peter Savage sought outline permission for a new dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, and new vehicular entrance at Rath/ Rath Lower, Riverstown, Co. Louth. The site is located in a rural area under strong urban influence and straddles Rural Policy Zones 1 and 2. Although the applicant successfully demonstrated a local housing need, the application was refused because the proposed siting was deemed an intrusive encroachment into a highly scenic landscape (AHSQ 1) and the technical docume...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.