Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a site-specific rural housing need in an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence' and the proposed modular design was deemed visually obtrusive and out of character with the rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide robust documentation justifying the need for the proposed structures or establish a site-specific rural generated housing need as required for an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence'.
- The proposed modular homes, by virtue of their design, form, and materials, are considered out of keeping with the rural character and would form a visually obtrusive feature in the landscape.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable future precedent for similar developments and materially contravene the policies of the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 regarding rural housing and design.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 9.4RD POL 9DM OBJ 62Meath Rural House Design Guide
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission to replace two joined mobile homes with two 2-bedroom modular homes and a wastewater treatment system at Smithstown, Julianstown, Co. Meath. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. Meath County Council refused the application primarily because the applicant did not demonstrate a genuine rural housing need or agricultural justification for the scale of the development. Furthermore, the modular design was found to b...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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