Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the excessive removal of roadside hedgerows impacting visual amenity, unresolved pluvial flood risks, inaccuracies in site characterization regarding drainage, and potential impacts on nearby European sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed entrance requires the removal of a significant length of roadside hedgerow, which would negatively impact the visual amenities and rural character of the area, contrary to Policy HOU 47.
- The site is vulnerable to pluvial flooding and the applicant failed to provide a Flood Risk Assessment or demonstrate that the development would not exacerbate flooding elsewhere, contrary to Policy IU 26.
- There are significant concerns regarding the accuracy of the Site Characterisation Report given the evidence of rushes, pooling water, and unauthorized infilling, meaning the suitability for wastewater treatment could not be confirmed under Policy IU 18 and NGB 6.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 41HOU 45HOU 46HOU 47HOU 42Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.5Section 13.9.6Section 13.9.7Section 13.9.8Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.10Section 13.19.14Section 13.16.17Section 13.9.15Section 13.9.16ENV 39IU 16IU 17IU 18IU 19IU 26NGB 6
Decision Document Summary
This application sought outline permission for a single dwelling, a new vehicular entrance, and a private wastewater treatment system at Cookstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. The site is located within Rural Policy Zone 2 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027. Louth County Council refused permission primarily because the required sightlines necessitated the removal of extensive roadside hedgerows, damaging the local visual amenity. Additionally, the planning authority cited unresolved pluvial fl...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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