Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused because the applicant failed to meet rural housing need criteria and the development would contribute to urban sprawl while negatively impacting the rural landscape through hedgerow removal.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate compliance with the local housing need qualifying criteria for Rural Policy Zone 2, specifically failing to meet the requirements for land ownership duration or established long-term residency.
- The site's location immediately adjacent to the Ardee settlement boundary is contrary to policy objectives intended to preserve agricultural land and prevent urban sprawl between built-up areas and the open countryside.
- The proposed development would require the removal of 40m of existing roadside hedgerow, resulting in an intrusive encroachment that fails to integrate into the landscape or protect the rural character of the area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HOU 38HOU 41HOU 42HOU 47Table 3.5Section 13.9Section 13.9.4
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a one-off dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Riverstown, Ardee, Co. Louth, on a site located within Rural Policy Zone 2 and immediately adjacent to the urban boundary of Ardee. Louth County Council refused permission primarily because the applicant did not satisfy the 'local needs' qualifying criteria regarding residency or land ownership duration. Furthermore, the planning authority determined that the development would contribute to urba...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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