Core Refusal Reason
The proposed two-storey extension is considered excessive in scale and bulk, resulting in a discordant appearance that would subsume the original dwelling, combined with insufficient information regarding potential impacts on Natura 2000 sites and flood risk.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The design, scale, and bulk of the proposed two-storey extension would result in a discordant appearance that subsumes the original dwelling and fails to respect its character, contrary to Policy CPO 16.27 of the County Development Plan.
- In the absence of sufficient details, the planning authority could not rule out significant adverse effects on the River Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) arising from hydrological connections.
- The application failed to provide a Flood Risk Assessment despite the site being located within a designated flood risk area that has experienced significant historic flooding.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 9.9Policy CPO 9.25Policy CPO 9.26CPO 16.27
Decision Document Summary
This planning application proposed the partial demolition of an existing bungalow at Ballygowlan, Athlone, to facilitate the construction of a two-storey extension, a new entrance, and an upgraded wastewater treatment plant, while also seeking retention for an existing shed. The site is located in a sensitive rural context adjacent to the River Shannon Callows SAC and SPA and within a designated flood zone. Westmeath County Council refused permission because the scale and bulk of the two-storey ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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