Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development materially contravenes the 'G' (Agriculture and High Amenity) land-use zoning objective of the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029, which does not permit residential development, and is contrary to National Policy Objective 19 of the National Planning Framework.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The subject lands are zoned 'G' (Agriculture and High Amenity) following a Ministerial Direction, and this zoning strictly excludes residential development as a compatible land use.
- The proposal is inconsistent with National Policy Objective 19 of the National Planning Framework as it fails to demonstrate a core economic or social need to reside in a rural area under urban influence.
- Granting permission would undermine national targets for compact growth (NPO 3) and would materially contravene the local authority's objectives to preserve areas of high amenity value.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 5.9Section 11.2.4Section 11.2.8
Decision Document Summary
The application seeks permission for a single-storey, four-bedroom detached dwelling and garage on a 0.32ha greenfield site at Quarry Road, Menlo, Galway. While the applicant argued the site was previously zoned Residential (R2), the Inspector emphasizes that the land was rezoned to 'G' (Agriculture and High Amenity) via a Ministerial Direction to ensure compact growth and protect the city's greenbelt. The site context is a rural area under significant urban influence where residential developme...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.