Core Refusal Reason
The site is unsuitable for the on-site disposal of domestic foul effluent due to a high water table, which poses a significant risk of groundwater pollution and environmental degradation.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- Site investigations confirmed a high water table with evidence of mottling at 300mm-450mm below ground level, which fails to meet the minimum 500mm requirement set by the EPA Code of Practice for safe wastewater treatment.
- The proposed mitigation strategy of importing soil to raise ground levels for a percolation area is not recognized as an acceptable site improvement work and does not resolve the fundamental unsuitability of the site for effluent discharge.
- The development would be prejudicial to public health and contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area as it would likely result in groundwater contamination.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Chapter 4Chapter 14Chapter 16Chapter 17Policy RH1Policy RH2Policy RH9Policy RH10Policy RH12Table 4.3
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a 188sqm one-and-a-half-storey 'one-off' dwelling and a 50sqm detached garage on a 0.397 Ha greenfield site at Allenwood North, Naas, Co. Kildare. While the applicant successfully demonstrated a local housing need under the Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023, the application was refused due to critical site drainage constraints. Technical assessments revealed a high water table that renders the site incapable of safely treating and disposing of do...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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