Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to substantiate a rural housing need, poor site drainage suitability for wastewater treatment, and the potential for significant adverse visual impact on a sensitive Class 3 landscape along a scenic route.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence, such as a birth certificate or land registry details, to substantiate a genuine rural-generated housing need or intrinsic links to the area as required by Policy Objectives RH2 and RH4.
- The site exhibits poor drainage characteristics, including shallow overburden and waterlogging, which prevents the safe disposal of domestic effluent in accordance with EPA standards, posing a risk to public health and surface water quality.
- The proposed development would result in a visually obtrusive feature in a highly sensitive Class 3 coastal landscape along a designated scenic route, and the applicant failed to submit a necessary visual impact assessment or demonstrate adequate sightlines for road safety.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RC 2Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective NNR 2Policy Objective NBH 1Policy Objective NHB 2Policy Objective NHB 3Policy Objective WR 1Policy Objective WS 4Policy Objective WS 7Policy Objective WS 8Policy Objective WW 6Policy Objective WW 8Policy Objective WW 11Policy Objective WM 2Policy Objective FL 2Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2Policy Objective LCM 3Chapter 15 DM StandardsDM Standard 7DM Standard 8DM Standard 9DM Standard 11DM Standard 28DM Standard 29DM Standard 36DM Standard 38DM Standard 46DM Standard 47DM Standard 50DM Standard 63DM Standard 67Policy Objective RH 2Policy Objective RH 4
Decision Document Summary
Kathleen Keane sought permission for a 218 sqm dormer dwelling, garage, and wastewater system at An Cheathrú Rua Thuaidh, a greenfield site within the Galway County Transportation Planning Study (GCTPS) area and a Class 3 landscape of special sensitivity. Galway County Council refused the application on six grounds, primarily citing the lack of evidence for rural housing need, unsuitable site conditions for wastewater treatment due to high water tables and peaty subsoils, and the negative visual...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.