Core Refusal Reason
The proposed replacement dwelling is excessively large in scale, height, and bulk compared to the existing structure, resulting in a significantly greater visual impact that is not in accordance with rural housing policy, alongside unresolved traffic safety concerns regarding the site entrance.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed replacement dwelling, at 310sq.m and 9m high, represents an inappropriate and substantial increase in size, scale, and bulk relative to the existing 54.5sq.m cottage, leading to a significantly greater visual impact in a rural area.
- The retention of the existing dwelling as domestic storage, in addition to the new large-scale house, results in an unacceptable proliferation of buildings on the site that fails to comply with Section 13.9 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The proposed vehicular entrance is located too close to the junction of the R215 and LS5211, failing to demonstrate adequate sightlines and safe stopping distances, thereby posing a risk to pedestrian and traffic safety.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 50HOU 51Section 13.9.13Section 3.17.4Chapter 7.10MOV 56Chapter 13.9.14IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19Section 13.16.17Table 3.3Table 7.10
Decision Document Summary
Trish and Philip Bradley sought permission for a replacement dwelling, wastewater treatment system, and associated works at Dowdstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. The site, located in a 'Rural Policy Zone 2' under strong urban influence, currently contains a modest 1940s council cottage. While the principle of a replacement dwelling was deemed acceptable, the application was ultimately refused due to the proposed house's excessive scale (310sq.m) and height (9m) compared to the original structure. Further...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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