Core Refusal Reason
The proposed extension is excessive in scale, bulk, and mass, failing to be sympathetic to the character and built form of the original dwelling, thereby contravening Section 13.9.20 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The scale and massing of the proposed two-storey extension, representing a floor area increase of over 300%, is considered excessive and out of character with the original modest cottage.
- The design fails to meet the requirements of Section 13.9.20 of the Louth County Development Plan, which mandates that extensions must be sympathetic to the built form and appearance of the existing property.
- Granting permission would set an undesirable precedent for similar inappropriate developments that significantly detract from the character of existing dwellings and the surrounding rural landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Rural Policy Zone 2HOU 34Section 13.9.20MOV 56IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19Section 13.9.14Section 13.9.18
Decision Document Summary
The applicants sought permission for a significant two-storey extension (175.50sq.m) and alterations to an existing 1940s council cottage (54.50sq.m) at Dowdstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. While the principle of extending the dwelling was acceptable, the Planning Authority refused the application because the proposed extension's scale, bulk, and mass were deemed unsympathetic to the original structure. The development was found to be contrary to Section 13.9.20 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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