Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to significant adverse visual impact on a sensitive elevated landscape near Lough Derravaragh and a failure to demonstrate a genuine rural housing need in an area under strong urban influence.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development would result in significant visual harm to the rural character and the nearby Lough Derravaragh High Amenity Area due to its elevated position, extensive site works, and ribboning form.
- The applicants failed to provide sufficient information or evidence to demonstrate compliance with the rural housing need criteria for an area designated as being under strong urban influence.
- The proposal is contrary to several specific objectives of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027, including policies regarding landscape protection, site design, and the core strategy for managing urban-influenced growth.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 2.11CPO 9.1CPO 9.8CPO 9.14CPO 9.15CPO 13.20CPO 13.21CPO 16.32Section 9.4Section 9.5Section 9.6Section 10.5Section 10.10Section 10.12Section 10.13Section 10.16Chapter 11Section 12.6Section 12.7Section 12.8Section 12.9Section 12.14Section 13.6Section 13.18Section 16.3.7
Decision Document Summary
The proposal involves the construction of a single-storey dwelling, a wastewater treatment system, and associated site works at Froghanstown, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath. The site is located in a sensitive, elevated rural area near the Lough Derravaragh High Amenity Area. The application was refused because the development would cause significant visual scarring of the landscape and contribute to undesirable ribbon development. Furthermore, the applicants did not demonstrate a functional or soci...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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