Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the failure to demonstrate a genuine local housing need in an area under strong urban influence and the creation of a hazardous new entrance onto a regional road with deficient sightlines.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicants failed to provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with the local housing need criteria for an area under strong urban influence as required by CPO 9.1 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
- The proposed development would create a new direct access onto the R391 regional road where an 80kmph speed limit applies, failing to meet the required 150m sightline standards and posing a significant risk to road safety.
- The proposal is considered contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, specifically violating policies regarding the protection of regional road carrying capacity and the management of rural housing in sensitive hinterlands.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.1CPO 9.2CPO 9.8CPO 9.13CPO 9.14CPO 9.16CPO 9.17CPO 9.18CPO 9.19CPO 9.20CPO 10.52CPO 10.60CPO 16.32CPO 16.33CPO 16.34
Decision Document Summary
This planning application sought permission for a two-storey dwelling, garage, and associated site works at Ballyhattan, Streamstown, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under strong urban influence. Westmeath County Council refused the application on two primary grounds: firstly, the applicants did not adequately demonstrate a functional or social need to reside in this specific rural locality under CPO 9.1; and secondly, the proposed new entrance onto the R39...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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