Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine local housing need or exceptional health circumstances to justify a rural dwelling in an area under strong urban influence, particularly given the site's proximity to the zoned area of Kinnegad.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the local housing need criteria for 'Areas Under Strong Urban Influence' as set out in Policy Objective CPO 9.1 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- It was not established that the applicant's medical condition specifically necessitates a dwelling in a rural location, nor did the proposal meet the criteria for 'exceptional health circumstances' defined in national planning guidelines.
- The proposed development would contribute to non-essential dispersed residential development in a rural area where the applicant's needs could be met within the nearby zoned settlement of Kinnegad, located approximately 480m from the site.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 16.32Section 9.4
Decision Document Summary
Maggie McGinley applied for permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, a wastewater treatment system, and a new vehicular entrance at Killucan Road, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Strong Urban Influence'. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the applicant did not demonstrate a functional or social local housing need as required by Policy Objective CPO 9.1 and National Policy Objective NPF 19. The planning authori...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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