Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused as it constitutes visually intrusive piecemeal development in the open countryside and failed to demonstrate compliance with technical standards for road safety, flood risk, wastewater treatment, and environmental protection of European sites.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling, by virtue of its elevated siting and location set back from the public road, would result in an intrusive encroachment into the open countryside and be unduly prominent in the landscape, contrary to policies HOU 42 and HOU 47.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that safe vehicular access could be achieved without the removal of significant mature hedging, and the site remains vulnerable to pluvial flooding as identified on OPW maps.
- Insufficient information was submitted to confirm that the wastewater treatment system complies with the EPA Code of Practice 2021 or to rule out significant adverse impacts on nearby European protected sites, including Dundalk Bay SAC and SPA.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 42HOU 47Section 13.16.17Table 13.13IU 18IU 26NGB 6HOU 41
Decision Document Summary
Cathal McKenna sought permission for a two-storey dwelling, ancillary garage, and wastewater treatment system at Ash Little, Knockbridge, Co. Louth, within a Rural Policy Zone. Louth County Council refused the application on five grounds, primarily citing that the proposal represented inappropriate piecemeal development that would be visually prominent and erode the rural character of the area. Additionally, the application was found to be technically deficient, failing to provide adequate evide...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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