Core Planning Reasoning
The development was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, the exacerbation of undesirable ribbon development, and public health risks associated with unsuitable soil conditions for wastewater treatment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide documentary evidence of a specific local housing need to satisfy Policy RH-P-3 for a 'Stronger Rural Area'.
- The proposal would create a row of five dwellings, constituting undesirable ribbon development and suburban encroachment in a rural environment.
- Physical evidence of poor drainage, including rushes and ponding observed on-site, indicates that effluent cannot be safely treated, making the proposal prejudicial to public health.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy RH-P-1Policy RH-P-2Policy RH-P-3Objective RH-O-3Policy NH-P-7Appendix 4 (Siting and Design Guide)Section 5.1.1 (Strategic Road Network)
Decision Document Summary
The application sought permission for a dwelling, garage, and wastewater system on a 0.427ha site at Drumenan, Letterkenny. The site is situated along the R250 in a 'Stronger Rural Area' and is designated as an area of High Scenic Amenity. While Donegal County Council initially granted permission based on an elected member's letter of support, the Inspector noted the site had two previous Board refusals. The Inspector argued that the applicant failed to prove a social or economic link to the are...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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