Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to its prominent and exposed location in a sensitive landscape, traffic safety concerns regarding sightlines and road capacity, and the applicants' failure to demonstrate a bona fide rural housing need under Objective HD23.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed dwellings would be located on an open, exposed site in a sensitive rural landscape, forming an obtrusive feature that would negatively impact visual amenities and views from the N11.
- The development would endanger public safety by creating a traffic hazard due to inadequate sightlines at the proposed entrance and the inability of the substandard local road network to cater for increased traffic movements.
- The applicants failed to demonstrate a genuine social or economic necessity to reside in this specific rural area, thereby failing to meet the housing need criteria set out in Objective HD23 of the County Development Plan.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective HD23Section 4.4Objective HD3HD1HD2HD24WI7NH2NH4NH19NH22NH49NH50NH52TR33
Decision Document Summary
This application sought permission for two 110 sqm single-storey dwellings, a new vehicular entrance, and wastewater treatment systems at Ballyvolan Upper, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. The site is located in a designated 'Corridor Area' landscape and is characterized by its elevated and exposed nature. Wicklow County Council refused the application because the development would be visually obtrusive, would create a traffic hazard on a substandard road network with poor sightlines, and because the app...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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