Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development would be an obtrusive and isolated feature in an Area of High Amenity (AHA), resulting in a significant negative visual impact on the sensitive landscape.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is located within the South East Mountain Lowlands Area of High Amenity, where the proposed dwelling's elevated and exposed position would form an obtrusive feature inconsistent with the landscape's character.
- The isolated position of the house relative to existing development would erode the rural character of the area and fail to comply with the Wicklow Single Rural Houses Design Guidelines.
- The planning authority noted that the applicant's family landholding contains alternative, less exposed sites that would be more suitable for development, such as clustering with existing family dwellings.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective HD23HD1HD3HD24Objective NH49Wicklow Single Rural Houses Design Guide
Decision Document Summary
The proposal sought permission for a new dwelling, garage, and wastewater treatment system at Bahana Whaley, Ballinaclash, Co. Wicklow. Although the applicant was considered to qualify under the rural housing settlement strategy as a permanent native resident, the application was refused primarily on visual grounds. The planning authority determined that the dwelling would be a visually prominent and isolated structure in a sensitive Area of High Amenity, particularly given that more appropriate...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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