Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development lacks agricultural justification and is inappropriately sited and designed, leading to potential adverse impacts on residential amenity and the rural landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed siting is considered inappropriate as it is remote from any evident agricultural activity and located approximately 101m from existing residential units, which would adversely impact residential amenity.
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient rationale or justification for the need, scale, and remote location of the shed relative to the operation of the farm holding.
- The design and height of the structure are not typical of a hay shed, reflecting an industrial/commercial style that is inconsistent with the proposed agricultural use and rural character.
Cited Policies (CDP)
9.11 Agriculture9.11.2 Agricultural Waste10.5 Road Infrastructure10.9 Water Infrastructure and Irish Water10.10 Water Supply and Distribution10.12 Water Quality and Groundwater10.16 Storm Water ManagementChapter 11 Climate Action12.6 Westmeath Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-202012.7 Appropriate Assessment12.8 Natura 2000 sites12.14 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows13.6 Westmeath Landscape Character Assessment16.9 Agricultural Buildings and StructuresCPO 16.53
Decision Document Summary
The applicant, Blathnaid Raleigh, sought permission to construct a 5.1m high hay shed and ancillary works at Carrick, Gaybrook, Mullingar. The proposal involved a fully enclosed steel structure on agricultural land accessed via a new long roadway. The Planning Authority refused the application (following a request for further information) because the applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine agricultural need for a shed of this scale at this specific location. The authority determined that the s...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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