Core Refusal Reason
The development's bulky design and suburban proportions would negatively impact the visual amenity of the Lough Ree High Amenity Area and views from the lake, failing to comply with rural design standards.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed development exhibits a bulky form and suburban proportions that are incompatible with the sensitive rural landscape.
- The design would cause significant harm to the visual amenity of the Lough Ree High Amenity Area and detract from views from the lake.
- The proposal fails to meet the Development Management standards of the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 and the Westmeath Rural Design Guidelines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
CPO 13.20CPO 13.21CPO 13.22CPO 13.23CPO 13.27CPO 13.37CPO 13.55CPO 16.32Section 9.9Section 10.5Section 10.9Section 10.10Section 10.12Section 10.13Section 10.14Section 10.15Section 10.16Chapter 11Section 12.6Section 12.7Section 12.8Section 12.9Section 12.14Section 12.16Section 13.6Section 13.12Section 13.18Section 13.19Section 16.3.7
Decision Document Summary
This application sought the retention and completion of a partially reconstructed and extended house and garage at Hillquarter, Athlone, located on a hillside overlooking Lough Ree within a High Amenity Area. While the principle of refurbishing an existing dwelling was accepted, the local authority refused permission due to the development's excessive bulk and suburban design. The council determined that the scale and massing of the structure would negatively impact the protected landscape chara...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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