Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to unsuitable site drainage conditions for effluent disposal and the negative visual impact on a highly sensitive, 'Special' designated landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site exhibits poor drainage characteristics with peaty substrates and marshy conditions, meaning the safe disposal of domestic effluent cannot be guaranteed, posing a risk to public health and groundwater quality.
- The proposed dwelling would be visually obtrusive in an open and exposed Class 3 'Special' designated landscape, failing to integrate effectively and detracting from the visual amenity of the area.
- Granting permission would contravene multiple specific objectives and standards of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028 and set an undesirable precedent for similar unsustainable development in the rural metropolitan area.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH 1Policy Objective RH 9Policy Objective FL 1Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2Policy Objective LCM 3Policy Objective WW 6DM Standard 6DM Standard 8DM Standard 20DM Standard 27DM Standard 29DM Standard 38DM Standard 41DM Standard 46
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for a 188sqm single-storey dwelling and sewerage treatment system at Na Forrai Maola Thiar, Co. Galway, located within the Rural Metropolitan Area and a Class 3 'Special' landscape. While the applicant demonstrated a rural housing need, the proposal was refused by Galway County Council. The primary grounds for refusal were the site's inability to safely manage wastewater due to poor soil drainage and the dwelling's detrimental visual impact on a highly sensitiv...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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