Core Refusal Reason
The proposal fails to meet the criteria for the refurbishment of a ruinous structure and constitutes an unjustified new rural dwelling in an Area of High Amenity without a demonstrated housing need.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The existing structure is of a ruinous nature and lacks the architectural or historical interest required for reinstatement under Objective CPO 6.43, meaning the proposal effectively constitutes a new rural dwelling.
- The applicants have not established a demonstrable functional social or economic need to reside in the open countryside as required by Objective CPO 6.41 and the County Development Plan's settlement strategy.
- The proposed access via an existing farm track is inadequate in terms of width, alignment, and structural condition to safely accommodate residential traffic.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 4.14CPO 4.15CPO 6.41Table 6.3CPO 6.43CPO 12.34CPO 13.16
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for the removal of a prefabricated dwelling and the refurbishment of a ruinous stone farmhouse at Tithewer, Co. Wicklow, to create a permanent residence. The site is located within a designated Area of High Amenity. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the farmhouse was deemed too ruinous to qualify for refurbishment under policy CPO 6.43, and the applicants failed to prove a specific rural housing need under the 2022-2028 Development Plan. Ad...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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