Core Refusal Reason
The structure is designed and laid out as a self-contained residential unit rather than a domestic garage, and the applicant failed to demonstrate that the existing wastewater treatment system could accommodate the additional load.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The internal layout, scale, and provision of residential-style amenities (including a bathroom, radiators, and potential bedrooms) indicate the building is a self-contained dwelling unit, which is contrary to Section 13.8.37 of the Louth County Development Plan regarding domestic outbuildings.
- The applicant failed to provide a Site Characterisation Report or sufficient technical details to prove that the existing on-site wastewater treatment system has the capacity to manage the additional load created by the structure's potential residential occupancy.
- Granting retention for a structure that facilitates unauthorized residential development in the open countryside would be prejudicial to public health and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 13.8.37Policy IU 16Policy IU 17Policy IU 18HOU 41Section 3.17.4NGB 6MOV 56IU 19IU 26
Decision Document Summary
The application sought retention permission for a detached domestic garage at Slieveboy, Dunleer, Co. Louth, which had been constructed with significant alterations to a previously approved design under Ref: 11/63. Located in a rural area designated as Rural Policy Zone 2, the building was found to be larger than permitted and internally configured as a self-contained residential unit featuring a gym, bathroom, and upper-floor rooms with heating and smoke alarms. Louth County Council refused per...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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