Core Refusal Reason
The proposal was refused due to inappropriate site selection in an open agricultural field lacking natural boundaries, the excessive removal of mature roadside hedgerows which would negatively impact the rural character, and the failure to demonstrate legal control over lands required to achieve necessary traffic sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development would result in the excessive removal of mature roadside hedgerows and lacks natural boundaries, leading to an intrusive encroachment into the open rural landscape and setting an undesirable precedent for similar development.
- The proposal is contrary to specific site selection and design policies, including HOU 42, HOU 47, and Section 13.9.4, as it fails to integrate into the surrounding landscape and would erode the rural character of the area.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate sufficient legal interest or permissions to provide the required 75-meter sightlines over third-party lands, creating a potential traffic hazard and endangering public safety.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Rural Policy Zone 2HOU 41Table 3.5HOU 42HOU 46HOU 47Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.14Table 13.13ENV 39
Decision Document Summary
Niall Treanor sought planning permission for a dormer-style dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Rathduff, Dundalk, Co. Louth, located within Rural Policy Zone 2. While the applicant was deemed to meet the local needs qualifying criteria, Louth County Council refused the application primarily because the site lacked natural boundaries and required the removal of significant mature hedgerows, which would negatively impact the rural character. Additionally, the applicant could not prove the...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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