Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a rural-generated housing need in an area under strong urban influence and concerns regarding the visual impact of the dwelling on the landscape character.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentation to comply with the local rural housing need criteria for an area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence' as per CPO 9.1.
- The proposed dwelling would be visually obtrusive due to its elevated position 4.5 metres above the public road and the required removal of the existing stone wall boundary to facilitate access.
- The development would contravene the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines, setting an undesirable precedent for similar unsuitable development in the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought outline permission for a two-storey dwelling house, septic tank, and new entrance on a 0.2511 ha greenfield site at Killachonna, Moate, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area designated as an 'Area under Strong Urban Influence'. The application was refused because the applicant did not demonstrate a genuine local housing need and the planning authority concluded that the elevated siting and loss of roadside boundary would seriously detract from the visual amenitie...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.