Core Refusal Reason
Failure to demonstrate a functional rural housing need in an Area under Urban Influence and negative impact on rural character/traffic safety due to excessive hedgerow removal.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine rural-generated housing need as per the Rural Housing Policy for Areas under Urban Influence, specifically because he previously owned and sold a dwelling in the nearby settlement of Kilmacow.
- The proposed development would require the removal of an excessive amount of roadside hedgerow (approximately 90m), which would adversely impact the established rural character and biodiversity of the area.
- The proposal would result in inadequate sightlines at the site entrance, thereby endangering public safety by reason of traffic hazard, while the works required to achieve necessary visibility are considered excessive.
Cited Policies (CDP)
National Policy Objective 19Rural Housing policy for this Area under Urban InfluenceKilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027Section 4.4 of the Sustainable Rural Housing - Guidelines for Planning Authorities
Decision Document Summary
James Hennessy sought planning permission for a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Granny, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny. The site is located in a rural area designated as being under 'Urban Influence'. The application was refused primarily because the applicant did not meet the criteria for a rural housing need, having previously owned a home in the local area. Furthermore, the Planning Authority concluded that the removal of 90 meters of hedgerow to facilitate the entr...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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