Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the constrained nature of the site leading to substandard development, negative impacts on the residential amenity of neighboring properties through overlooking, and the absence of a required Appropriate Assessment screening for nearby Natura 2000 sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The constrained nature of the site would result in ad-hoc, piecemeal, and substandard development that fails to integrate into the area and contravenes CPO 16.32 and the Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines.
- The close proximity of the proposed dwelling to shared boundaries would result in an undesirable relationship with neighboring properties, causing a loss of privacy and overlooking of private amenity space.
- The absence of an Appropriate Assessment Screening means the potential adverse impacts on Natura 2000 sites, specifically Lough Ree SAC/SPA and Carn Park Bog SAC, cannot be ruled out, contravening policies CPO 12.5, 12.6, and 12.7.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 12.4CPO 12.5CPO 12.6CPO 12.7CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
The applicant, Harry Duncan, sought permission for a 178 sqm three-bedroom single-storey dwelling and a tertiary wastewater treatment system at Annagh, Ballykeeran, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. The site is a narrow plot situated between two existing dwellings along the R390 Regional Road. Westmeath County Council refused permission primarily because the site's restricted dimensions would lead to a substandard form of development that negatively impacts the residential amenity of neighbors through ove...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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