22506
construction of a two storey dwelling over basement. Basement to be used as hobby workshop/home office with storage. The two storey dwelling to incorporate balconies at ground floor and first floor level, a garage with personal fitness area and sauna, and will include roof glazing and solar PV panels. Works also to comprise formation of a new vehicular entrance from the existing private access road to replace an existing field entrance, construction of a new effluent treatment unit, polishing filter and all required ancillary site works, including perimeter boundaries, planting and landscaping. Considering the nearby Glen of the Downs SAC, a stage 1 Habitats Directive Assessment/Screening of Appropriate Assessment is included with the application
Core Refusal Reason
The applicant failed to demonstrate a genuine functional social or economic need to reside in the rural area, as the farm operation is not considered their primary occupation and they do not meet the residency criteria set out in the County Development Plan.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient evidence that their livelihood is intrinsically linked to the rural area or that the farm holding is their primary source of income.
- The applicant does not satisfy the rural housing need criteria as they were not born and reared in the area, having moved there at age 17 from an urban environment.
- The proposed dwelling would constitute non-essential housing in a designated Access Corridor Area, eroding the landscape value and contradicting the settlement strategy for rural areas.