Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a local housing need in an area under strong urban influence, and the proposed access improvements would negatively impact a Protected Structure and lack necessary third-party consents.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not meet the local housing need criteria set out in Policy CPO 9.1, as their family home is located 11.2km from the site, exceeding the 10km radius defined for areas under strong urban influence.
- The development would endanger public safety by reason of a traffic hazard, as the required sightlines and widening of the narrow access laneway are outside the applicant's legal control and lack necessary third-party consents.
- The widening of the access lane would result in the removal of historic stone walls and mature planting, which would significantly detract from the setting and character of an adjacent Protected Structure (RPS Ref: 024-042).
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34CPO 14.27
Decision Document Summary
Sarah Carter sought planning permission for a bungalow and domestic garage on a greenfield site at Kilaroo, Streamstown, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence.' Westmeath County Council refused the application because the applicant failed to demonstrate a functional or social need to live in this specific rural area, with her family home being outside the 10km policy threshold. Furthermore, the Planning Authority determined that the ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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