Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused as it constitutes unacceptable backland development in a sensitive rural landscape, fails to demonstrate a genuine housing need in an Access Corridor Area, and poses a risk to public health and water quality within the Liffey catchment.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The development represents haphazard backland development in a rural area of special landscape control (N81 Corridor), which would erode rural character and set an undesirable precedent for similar sprawl.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a definable social or economic housing need to live in the open countryside as required by Objective CPO 6.41 of the Wicklow County Development Plan.
- The proposal is prejudicial to public health due to potential contamination of the Liffey catchment and Poulaphouca Reservoir, exacerbated by a high water table and insufficient evidence of site suitability for wastewater treatment.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 6.1CPO 6.3CPO 6.4CPO 6.41CPO 6.42CPO 6.44CPO 6.45CPO 6.46CPO 12.54CPO 13.16CPO 13.1CPO 13.20CPO 17.5CPO 17.6CPO 17.14CPO 17.23CPO 17.35CPO 17.36CPO 17.38Appendix 1Appendix 2Appendix 5
Decision Document Summary
This application proposed the construction of a dormer bungalow, double garage, and on-site wastewater treatment system at Russellstown, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. The site is situated in a rural landscape within the N81 Access Corridor. Wicklow County Council refused the application on the grounds that it constitutes inappropriate backland development that would negatively impact the area's rural character. Additionally, the applicant did not satisfy rural housing need criteria, and the project ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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