Core Refusal Reason
The proposal failed to demonstrate a functional rural housing need, lacked necessary environmental assessments for adjacent Natura 2000 sites, and was deemed to represent harmful linear development within a sensitive coastal landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence of an overriding economic or social functional need to reside in a 'Stronger Rural Area' and 'Distinctive Coastal Zone' as required by the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028.
- In the absence of a Natura Impact Statement or Appropriate Assessment Screening report, the Planning Authority could not exclude the potential for significant adverse effects on the adjacent Bannow Bay SAC and SPA.
- The development would contribute to the proliferation of linear coastal development, leading to the degradation of a 'Distinctive' landscape and the erosion of the area's scenic character and amenity value.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Volume 1, Table 4.6Distinctive (CP2233) landscape
Decision Document Summary
The application proposed the erection of a fully serviced dwelling house and domestic garage at Grange, Fethard, a location designated as a 'Stronger Rural Area' and 'Distinctive Coastal Zone' adjacent to the Bannow Bay SAC and SPA. The Planning Authority refused the application because the applicant did not establish a site-specific rural housing need and failed to submit required environmental screenings for protected habitats. Furthermore, the development was considered a form of undesirable ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.