22341
construction of 5 no. 4 bed detached dormer dwellings (c.215sqm each) with associated car parking and rear gardens. Provision of public open space totalling c.2237sqm. Vehicular and pedestrian access roads and footpaths via a new entrance from the existing residential estate known as Hunters Leap to the south of the site. All associated site development works, services provision, drainage works, open space, landscaping and boundary treatment works. A separate application is made for 27 no. dwelling units on adjoining lands to the west of the site. The application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement
Core Refusal Reason
The development is located on unzoned rural land outside the settlement boundary of Newcastle, contravening the County Development Plan's settlement strategy and rural housing policy (CPO 6.1), and is further constrained by inadequate wastewater infrastructure capacity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The site is located on unzoned rural land outside the Newcastle settlement boundary, and the proposal for four dwellings constitutes sporadic urban-generated housing that contravenes the settlement strategy and Objective CPO 6.1 of the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028.
- The proposed development is premature due to existing capacity deficiencies at the Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the lack of a clear timeframe for necessary infrastructure upgrades makes the proposal prejudicial to public health.
- The planning authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Murrough Special Protection Area (SPA) and the Murrough Wetlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC) given the deficiencies in the municipal sewer network.