Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, the substandard internal floor area and poor architectural design of the proposed structures, and the excessive removal of native roadside hedgerows.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to establish a demonstrable economic or social need to reside in a rural area under strong urban influence, contrary to National Policy Objectives 19 and 33 and the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines.
- The proposed dwelling and garden shed are of poor architectural quality, appearing as temporary structures, and the dwelling's internal floor area is substandard, failing to meet the minimum 85sqm requirement for a two-bedroom house.
- The development would necessitate the excessive removal of the entire 38.5m roadside hedgerow to achieve required sightlines, which would negatively impact the rural character and biodiversity of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy HOP11Policy HOP12Policy HOP30Objective HO 051Objective HO 052Objective BI O26Section 15.4.6Table 15.2Appendix 4 Rural House Design GuideSection 4 of Appendix 4Section 7.1 of Appendix 4Section 7.2 of Appendix 4Objective HOO59
Decision Document Summary
Bridget Doyle sought planning permission for a single-storey one-off dwelling, garden shed, and wastewater treatment system at Portersize, Grangecon, Co. Kildare. The site is located in a rural area classified as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. Kildare County Council refused the application on four main grounds: the applicant's failure to prove a genuine local housing need; the substandard size and poor 'temporary' design of the proposed structures; and the unacceptable loss of 38.5 meters...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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