Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine local housing need, the exacerbation of ribbon development on a regional approach road, inappropriate backland siting, and significant traffic safety concerns regarding sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to meet the Local Need Policy (CPO 9.1) as they already own and reside in a dwelling within the local rural area, meaning their requirement for residential development in an area under strong urban influence has already been met.
- The proposal would result in the 6th dwelling within 250m of road frontage, consolidating an undesirable pattern of ribbon development and constituting haphazard 'backland development' that is out of character with established building lines.
- The development fails to demonstrate the minimum required sightlines of 150m in both directions onto the R393 regional road, posing a risk to road safety and the carrying capacity of the regional road network.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 2.11CPO 9.15CPO 16.32CPO 9.16CPO 10.52CPO 16.33
Decision Document Summary
David Sheahan applied for permission to construct a new dwelling house, detached garage, and wastewater treatment system on a greenfield site at Irishtown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area under strong urban influence along the R393 regional road. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the applicant already owns a home in the area, the project would exacerbate ribbon development on a key approach road to Mullingar, the siting was considered non-inte...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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