Core Refusal Reason
The development was refused due to traffic safety hazards arising from inadequate sightlines on a heavily trafficked local road and the potential for significant adverse impacts on the foraging habitat of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a protected species.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed entrance onto the L-8563 local road is deemed unsatisfactory as the required sightlines cannot be achieved without significant intervention on a heavily trafficked route, thereby endangering public safety by reason of traffic hazard.
- The extensive removal of established linear planting and mature trees required to facilitate visibility would negatively impact the rural landscape character and ecological networks contrary to development plan objectives.
- In the absence of a bat survey, the Planning Authority cannot exclude likely significant effects on the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a qualifying interest of the nearby Lough Fingall Complex SAC, which utilizes the site for foraging and commuting.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective RH01Objective RHO 9Objective NHB 1Objective NHB 2Objective NHB 3Objective NHB 6Objective NHB 11Objective DS 6Objective WW 7Objective LCM 2DM Standard 6DM Standard 8DM Standard 20DM Standard 27DM Standard 29DM Standard 41
Decision Document Summary
The applicant sought permission to construct a 264 sqm dwelling, a 60 sqm garage, and a private wastewater treatment system on a greenfield site in Kilcolgan, Co. Galway. While the applicant established a rural housing need, the proposal was refused because the site's location on the L-8563 local road presents severe traffic safety risks due to poor road alignment and restricted sightlines. Furthermore, the remedial works necessary to improve visibility would involve the destruction of mature he...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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