Core Planning Reasoning
The proposed development was refused as the commercial gundog facility is not supported in principle as a rural business under the County Development Plan, the applicants failed to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need given existing property ownership, and the potential for significant noise nuisance from gunfire and barking was not adequately assessed.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The principle of the gundog facility is not supported as it does not constitute a home-based business within an existing curtilage, nor does it qualify as a supported rural business category with demonstrable local economic benefits.
- A genuine rural housing need has not been established as required by Objective RH-O-1, specifically because information indicates the applicants already own a residential property in the county.
- In the absence of a Noise Impact Assessment, there is a high likelihood of adverse impacts on the residential and rural amenity of the area due to noise from gunfire and dog barking.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RH-O-1Objective RH-O-4Policy RH-P-3Policy RH-P-9Policy ED-P-4Policy ED-P-5Policy ED-P-6Policy ED-P-9Objective L-O-1Policy L-P-2Policy WW-P-6Chapter 16 Technical Standards
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the erection of a single-storey dwelling, domestic garage, and a commercial gundog training and breeding facility on a 2.22ha site at Clondallon, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal. The site is located within a 'Structurally Weak Area' and an 'Area of High Scenic Amenity' near Lough Swilly. While Donegal County Council originally granted permission, the Inspector recommended refusal following a third-party appeal. Key arguments centered on the fact that Policy ED-P-5 (home-based busin...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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