Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a genuine rural-generated housing need in an 'Area Under Strong Urban Influence' and concerns regarding visual obtrusiveness due to the dwelling's elevated siting and significant setback.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to demonstrate a local housing need under Policy CPO 9.1, as they already own a home within 10km of the site and provided no evidence of active engagement in agriculture or other rural-based employment.
- The proposed dwelling's siting, featuring a 1,535-metre setback and a 4.86-metre elevation above the public road, would be visually obtrusive and prominent, detracting from the scenic amenities of the rural landscape.
- The development would contravene the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines, setting an undesirable precedent for similar unsustainable development in the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.1CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a 320sqm two-storey detached dwelling, a detached garage, and an upgraded access driveway at Castledown, The Downs, Mullingar. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the applicants already own a residence in the county and did not meet the criteria for a rural-generated housing need. Furthermore, the planning authority concluded that the proposed house woul...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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