Core Refusal Reason
The proposed dwelling's elevated siting and large footprint would result in a visually obstructive design that fails to integrate with the sensitive rural landscape, causing physical scarring and injury to the area's character.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The elevated siting and large footprint of the dwelling are out of character with the rural context and would negatively impact the visual amenities of the area.
- The development would cause a significant reduction in the visual and environmental quality of the landscape, leading to physical scarring of the site.
- The proposal fails to meet the high standard of design and landscape integration required by CPO 16.32 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.16CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32
Decision Document Summary
Gerard Gleeson sought permission for a new dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Gneevekeel, Streamstown, Co. Westmeath, within a 'Rural Area Under Strong Urban Influence'. Although the applicant demonstrated compliance with local housing need policies, the Planning Authority refused the application due to the prominent, elevated nature of the site. The Council determined that the scale and massing of the proposed dwelling would be highly conspicuous and visually obstructive, failing to in...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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