Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to the creation of ribbon development in a rural area and significant environmental risks associated with pluvial flooding and high groundwater vulnerability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling would constitute ribbon development, contrary to Policy CPO 9.15, which would erode the open character of the countryside and set an undesirable precedent for further unsustainable development in the area.
- The site is located in an area of high groundwater vulnerability and is susceptible to pluvial flooding, creating a significant risk of groundwater contamination and effluent ponding from the proposed on-site treatment system.
- The proposed design failed to meet the standards of the Westmeath Rural Design Guide and Policy CPO 16.32 due to inappropriate fenestration, skewed design form, and poor elevational detailing.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.15CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 16.32
Decision Document Summary
Olive O'Brien proposed the construction of a dwelling house, garage, and septic tank system at Balrath, Ballynagore, Co. Westmeath, located within a 'Strong Rural Area Under Strong Urban Influence.' Westmeath County Council refused the application primarily because the development would exacerbate ribbon development along the L-1222, conflicting with rural preservation objectives. Furthermore, the site's environmental constraints, specifically high groundwater vulnerability and pluvial flooding ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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