Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development was refused due to its elevated siting on a ridge line within a highly sensitive landscape (Slieve Bloom Mountains), which would result in significant visual intrusion and negatively impact protected scenic views.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development is located near the top of a ridge line within an Area of High Amenity, which would create a significant visual intrusion and contravene objective BLO-25 of the County Development Plan.
- The siting of the dwelling close to the apex of a ridge line within a protected view (Ref. V02) would negatively impact key scenic views and prospects, contravening objective BLO-26.
- The elevated and exposed nature of the site, combined with the proposed design, is considered visually incongruous and fails to meet the standards of DMS-48, which requires houses to not break the horizon or skyline.
Cited Policies (CDP)
SSP-27BLP-38BLO-22BLO-23BLO-24BLO-25BLP-43BLO-26BLO-27DMS-45DMS-46DMS-47DMS-48DMS-50
Decision Document Summary
Ciaran Byrne sought permission for a part single/part double-storey dwelling and garage at Castlefield, Cadamstown, Co. Offaly, situated within the Slieve Bloom Mountains Area of Special Control. While the applicant demonstrated a social/economic need to reside in the area, the application was refused because the proposed siting on an elevated ridge line would be visually obtrusive. The Planning Authority determined that the development would break the skyline, interfere with protected scenic vi...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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