Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development provides a substandard level of residential accommodation due to restricted floor-to-ceiling heights that fail to meet minimum building standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The attic conversion fails to provide the minimum ceiling height of 2.4m across 50% of the floor area as required by Building Regulations (2019) Technical Guidance Document F.
- The resulting substandard level of accommodation for occupants is contrary to policy objective HOU 34 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027, which encourages sensitively designed extensions.
- Granting permission for the front dormer windows would facilitate and further progress a substandard attic conversion, setting an undesirable precedent for similar inappropriate developments in the vicinity.
Cited Policies (CDP)
13.9.20 Residential Extensions13.9.18 Surface WaterHOU 34Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought retention for an existing attic conversion and velux windows, plus permission for two new dormer windows at a detached dwelling in Haggardstown, Dundalk. Although the site is located within an 'Existing Residential' zone, Louth County Council refused the application on the grounds that the internal layout provides a substandard level of accommodation. The planning inspector determined that the restricted floor-to-ceiling heights fail to meet national building regulations and ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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