Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development constitutes inappropriate backland development that is out of character with the prevailing pattern of development in the area and would result in significant overlooking and loss of privacy to the neighboring property.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal is considered a 'backland' form of development that is haphazard, non-integrated, and contrary to the prevailing pattern of development in the locality which fronts the roadway.
- The siting of the dwelling to the rear of an existing property would result in an undesirable relationship, causing significant overlooking and loss of privacy to the neighbor's private rear amenity space.
- The development would contravene policy CPO 16.32 of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027, which requires buildings in rural areas to conform to a high standard of design and integrate with the existing rural landscape.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 9.3CPO 16.329.4 Rural Settlement Strategy9.4.1 Structurally Weak Areas9.5 Environment Capacity9.5.1 Rural House Siting & Design10.12 Water Quality & Groundwater10.13.1 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses12.14 Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows13.6 Westmeath Landscape Character Assessment
Decision Document Summary
Peter Boyce sought permission to construct a single-storey dwellinghouse, detached garage, and septic tank at Rathduff, Emper, Ballynacargy, Mullingar. The site is located in a 'Structurally Weak Rural Area' on a plot to the rear of an existing dwelling. Westmeath County Council refused the application because the proposed siting constitutes unacceptable backland development that deviates from the established roadside development pattern. Additionally, the layout was found to have a detrimental ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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