Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need, the creation of undesirable ribbon development, and significant concerns regarding site drainage and wastewater treatment suitability.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to sufficiently demonstrate a rural housing need, with conflicting information provided regarding previous dwelling ownership and social/economic links to the area.
- The proposal would result in an unsustainable pattern of linear ribbon development, contributing to five residential units within a 130m roadside frontage, contrary to national guidelines.
- Significant site drainage issues were identified, including a high water table (1m below ground) not recorded in the Site Characterisation Form, posing a risk to effective wastewater treatment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Chapter 4 Rural Living and DevelopmentChapter 7 Infrastructure, Utilities and Environmental ProtectionChapter 15 Development Management StandardsPolicy Objective RH3Appendix 4 of the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines
Decision Document Summary
Kevin Ryan sought planning permission for a 216.66sqm bungalow and detached garage on a greenfield agricultural site at Gorteen, Ballinasloe. The site is located in a 'Structurally Weak' area near Mountbellew. Galway County Council refused the application because the applicant did not prove a specific rural housing need, the development would exacerbate ribbon development along the R356, and the high water table on-site raised serious concerns about the viability of the proposed wastewater treat...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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