Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine local rural housing need as required for a 'Stronger Rural Area' under the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant does not meet the 'long-term landowner' criteria as the site has been in their ownership for less than three years (since October 2020).
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that they are a 'local rural person' or are engaged in rural activities that necessitate living at this specific location.
- The proposed development would materially contravene the policies and objectives of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027 regarding sustainable rural housing in 'Stronger Rural Areas'.
Cited Policies (CDP)
National Policy Objective 19National Policy Objective 20Table 4 - Rural Area DesignationDM RH 1 - New Dwelling Houses in Rural AreasDM HS 15 - Infill Development in Urban and Rural AreasTable 4.4 of the LCDP 2021-2027Appendix 7 of the LCDP 2021-2027
Decision Document Summary
Paul Stokes applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, garage, and septic tank on a 0.242ha agricultural site at Larchfield, Ballyroan, Co. Laois. The site is situated in an area designated as a 'Stronger Rural Area' where residential development is restricted to those with a defined local need. The application was refused because the applicant failed to satisfy the criteria set out in Table 4.4 of the County Development Plan, specifically failing to prove long-term landowners...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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