Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would result in an intrusive encroachment into the open rural landscape due to poor site selection in an exposed agricultural field lacking natural screening, which would erode the rural character of the area and set an undesirable precedent.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is located in an open, exposed agricultural field with limited natural screening, meaning the proposed dwelling would occupy a prominent and intrusive position in the rural landscape.
- The development would exacerbate an existing pattern of overdevelopment and proliferation of one-off houses in the area, militating against the preservation of the rural environment and setting an undesirable precedent.
- The proposal contravenes Louth County Development Plan objectives HOU 42 and HOU 47, as it fails to integrate into the local landscape and would necessitate the removal of existing roadside boundaries to achieve required sightlines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
NGB 6HOU 41Section 3.17.4HOU 42HOU 46HOU 47HOU 40Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.7Section 13.9.8Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.1013.19.1413.16.1713.9.1513.9.16ENV 39IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19
Decision Document Summary
Colm Flynn applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Milltown, Grangebellew, Co. Louth, within a 'Rural Policy Zone 2' area. While the applicant successfully demonstrated compliance with local qualifying criteria for rural housing, the application was refused on environmental and planning grounds. The Planning Authority determined that the site's prominent location within a large agricultural field, combined with the lack of natural ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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