Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to demonstrate a genuine local rural housing need, poor architectural design that fails to integrate with the landscape, and the site's inappropriate encroachment into the open countryside.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence to demonstrate compliance with the local rural housing need qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2 as set out in Table 3.5 of the County Development Plan.
- The proposed dwelling design is considered of poor architectural quality, featuring an inappropriate flat-roofed front projection and imbalanced solid-to-void ratios that would negatively impact the visual amenities of the rural area.
- The development would represent an undesirable encroachment into the open countryside, failing to maintain a clear distinction between the settlement boundary of Muchgrange and the surrounding rural landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 38HOU 41HOU 47IU 18Section 13.9Section 13.9.9Section 13.9.10Table 3.5Rural Policy Zone 2
Decision Document Summary
Jennifer Hanlon sought permission for a 217.5 sqm dwelling and septic tank at Muchgrange, Greenore, Co. Louth, located within Rural Policy Zone 2 and adjacent to a Level 5 Rural Node. Louth County Council refused the application on four grounds: lack of demonstrated rural housing need, poor architectural design that does not accord with rural housing standards, inappropriate encroachment into the open countryside contrary to Policy HOU 38, and failure to demonstrate that the proposed wastewater ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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