Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to unsuitable site conditions for wastewater treatment and the failure of the applicants to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in an area designated as being under urban influence.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is unsuitable for the safe attenuation and disposal of domestic effluent due to high groundwater levels and poor soil drainage, which would be prejudicial to public health.
- The applicants failed to provide sufficient evidence of a demonstrable social or economic link to the local rural area as required for 'Rural Policy Zone A' under the County Development Plan.
- The proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would conflict with the specific housing policies of the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Chapter 2: Core Strategy & Settlement Policy2.6: Settlement Hierarchy2.7: Settlement StrategyChapter 3: People, Places & Houses3.9 Rural Housing3.10 Rural Area TypesTable 3.1: Rural Area TypesTable 3.2: Rural Housing Need CriteriaPolicy Objective PPH 3.13Chapter 7: Infrastructure, Transport & CommunicationSection: 7.8 WaterChapter 12: Development Management12.7 Rural House Design Considerations
Decision Document Summary
Martina and Jonathan Rooney applied for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, and septic tank system at Derryvea, Johnstown, Athlone. The 0.24 ha site is located in an unserviced rural area designated as 'Rural Policy Zone A' (Areas under Urban Influence). The Planning Authority refused the application because the site's high water table and heavy clay soils are incapable of safely treating wastewater, and the applicants did not adequately demonstrate a site-specific rural housing ne...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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