Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its visually obtrusive siting on an elevated and exposed landscape, the excessive length of the proposed driveway causing landscape scarring, inadequate sightlines at the entrance, and the lack of an Appropriate Assessment screening for a nearby Special Area of Conservation.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwelling and its 205-meter internal driveway would be visually obtrusive and cause significant landscape scarring on an elevated, exposed site, contravening rural housing and landscape protection objectives.
- The applicant failed to demonstrate that the required visibility sightlines could be achieved at the site entrance, thereby creating a potential traffic hazard for road users.
- In the absence of a Stage 1 Screening or Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, it has not been demonstrated that the development would not adversely impact the integrity of the nearby Lough Carra/Mask Complex SAC.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective LP-01Objective RH-02Objective NH-01Objective NH-03Table 9 Access Visibility Requirements
Decision Document Summary
Peter Burke and Megan McHugh sought permission to construct a single-storey dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Ballynanerroon More, Partry, Co. Mayo. While the site is located in a 'Structurally Weak Area' where housing need is not a restrictive factor, the Planning Authority determined that the elevated siting and the requirement for a 205m driveway would result in a haphazard development that interferes with the landscape character. Furthermore, the application was refused du...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
Note: If code appears below, the council site is blocking the preview. Please open the original file.