Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need under the qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2, and the proposed development would exacerbate the over-proliferation of one-off dwellings in an area lacking sufficient natural screening.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the local housing need qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2 as set out in Table 3.5 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The site lacks sufficient natural boundary features and screening, which would result in an unduly prominent and obtrusive development that fails to integrate into the surrounding landscape.
- The proposed dwelling would exacerbate an existing pattern of overdevelopment and proliferation of one-off rural housing in an area under significant urban influence, thereby eroding the rural character of the locality.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41Table 3.5Section 13.9.4HOU 42HOU 47Section 13.9
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Ballynamaghery, Riverstown, Co. Louth, located within Rural Policy Zone 2 (an area under strong urban influence). The proposal was refused primarily because the applicant did not satisfy the 'local need' criteria, specifically failing to prove the necessity of living at this specific location to provide care as required by Category 7 of the County Development Plan. Furthermore, the Plannin...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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