Core Refusal Reason
The proposal failed to demonstrate a local rural housing need, posed a traffic hazard on a strategic regional road due to inadequate sightlines, and was deemed visually obtrusive with negative impacts on local biodiversity through hedgerow removal.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants did not meet the 'Local Rural Housing Need' criteria for an area under strong urban influence as defined in the County Development Plan.
- The proposed entrance onto the R426 Strategic Regional Road contravenes safety policies regarding high-speed routes and fails to provide the required 180m sightlines.
- The dwelling's design and elevated location, combined with the necessary removal of extensive hedgerows, would result in a visually obtrusive development that harms the character of the Hills and Upland area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Table 4.4Policy Trans 22Appendix 7Policy BNH5Objective BNH27Objective BNH28Objective BNH30Roads and Parking Standards 2007
Decision Document Summary
Nigel and Lynn Plunkett applied for permission to construct a two-storey house and garage at Aghoney, Timahoe, Co. Laois. The site is located in a sensitive 'Hills and Upland' area under strong urban influence. The application was refused because the applicants failed to prove a functional need to live in the area, the proposed access onto a busy regional road was deemed unsafe, and the project's scale and required hedgerow removal were considered detrimental to the local landscape and environme...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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