Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to meet the 18-year local residency requirement and the significant negative impact on rural character resulting from the removal of extensive mature roadside hedgerows.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the local needs qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2, specifically failing to prove the required 18-year residency period in the local area as per Policy HOU 41.
- The proposed development would necessitate the removal of a significant stretch of mature roadside hedgerow to facilitate sightlines, which would lead to the erosion of the rural character and set an undesirable precedent for the area.
- The site lacks sufficient natural boundaries and the proposed dwelling would constitute an intrusive encroachment of physical development into the open rural landscape, contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy HOU 41Policy HOU 42Policy HOU 47Section 13.9.4Section 13.9.14Table 3.5
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a storey-and-a-half dwelling and wastewater treatment system at Rathduff, Dundalk, Co. Louth, located within Rural Policy Zone 2 (Area Under Strong Urban Influence). The site is situated in an open agricultural field with limited natural screening beyond the roadside boundary. Louth County Council refused the application because the applicant only provided proof of 13 years of local residency instead of the required 18 years, and the extensive removal of roadsi...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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