Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development fails to integrate into the rural landscape due to the excessive removal of roadside hedgerows required for sightlines, resulting in an obtrusive and exposed dwelling that erodes the rural character of the area.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The removal of approximately 55m of existing roadside hedgerow to achieve necessary sightlines would leave the site unduly exposed and prominent within the rural area.
- The proposed L-shaped house design and elevated site positioning fail to demonstrate successful integration into the local landscape, contrary to established site selection policies.
- The development would erode the rural character of the area and set an undesirable precedent for similar unsustainable development in a zone under strong urban influence.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 42HOU 47Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.14Section 13.19.14ENV 39Table 3.5
Decision Document Summary
Sinead Duffy sought planning permission for a single-storey dwelling, wastewater treatment system, and associated works at Gorteen, Inniskeen, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 2, an area defined as being under strong urban influence. While the applicant successfully demonstrated a local housing need, Louth County Council refused the application primarily because the required removal of extensive roadside hedgerows for traffic safety would result in a prominent, obtrusive d...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.